06-03-2025
Family of Kadance Fredericksen speaks out, vows to keep her legacy alive
BAKER, Fla. (WKRG) — The family of Kadance Fredericksen is speaking out for the first time since the 18-year-old's death, sharing their grief and determination to continue her work.
Fredericksen, a pageant titleholder and founder of Kada's Promise, died in a car crash last week. Her nonprofit has donated more than 15,000 teddy bears to children facing trauma. Her father, Matt Fredericksen, said her mission will continue.
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'It means everything to me to be able to continue her mission because it was something that she was passionate about, something that she cared so deeply about,' he said.
The organization is now expanding its efforts.
'We're trying to get as many teddy bears in first responders' vehicles as possible,' he said. 'First responders are typically the first ones to come in contact with kids that are being abused or neglected.'
Kadance Fredericksen was known for her generosity and leadership — both at home and in her community.
'She was always present in the moment and always willing to help out whether it was doing stuff around the house, taking care of the animals, or cleaning up,' her father said.
Her kindness extended beyond her family.
'She always had a soft spot for the girl on the corner that didn't fit in,' he said. 'She would always take time out of whatever she was doing to make sure that girl felt special and part of everything.'
Fredericksen was a top student with a 4.23 GPA and had been accepted to several universities. Her father recalled a lighthearted moment that captured her personality.
'She was probably the smartest girl in school… but she was a little air-headed,' he said. 'She grabbed an air freshener that said 'fresh air' and said, 'I want to smell what air smells like.''
The outpouring of support from the community has helped the family navigate their grief.
'I think probably the biggest source of strength through all of this has been really just the community reaching out—not just the community of Baker or Crestview, but the pageant community and people all over,' her father said.
Fredericksen's impact reached far beyond her hometown.
'It feels amazing,' he said. 'In one aspect, it's hard to believe that my daughter at 18 could have had such an impact. But at the same time, it doesn't surprise me. That's just who she was.'
For families dealing with loss, he offered words of encouragement.
'If I could say one thing, it's that it doesn't necessarily get easier, at least not at this point,' he said. 'But tomorrow is not that far off. One day at a time.'
He wants people to remember Kadance for who she was, not just what she accomplished.
'I want the world to remember her as the goofy, fun-loving, caring, and charismatic person that she was—and really, she is and will continue to be in the hearts of a lot of people,' he said.
If he had the chance to speak to her again, he knows exactly what he would say.
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'I'd just tell her I love her one more time and how much I miss her,' he said.
You can support Kada's Promise online.
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