Tragedy to Hope in Iowa: Kaden’s Kids, Touch A Truck, & Brandon Lynch

Dubuque is gearing up for an exciting family-friendly event that not only brings joy to children but also supports a meaningful cause. The Touch A Truck event, hosted by the nonprofit organization Kaden's Kids, is set to take place on October 6th, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. This hands-on experience invites kids and families to get up close and personal with construction equipment, heavy machinery, fire engines, police cars, and much more.

By the way, if you happen to have a Monster Truck, Brandon Lynch president of Kaden's Kids, would love to have YOU at the event.

The proceeds support making a difference in the lives of children and their families by providing assistance and education surrounding, but not limited to: healthy fun, safety, divorce, and death. Behind the scenes of this fun-filled day is a story of heartache, hope, and an enduring mission to make a difference for families.

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Brandon's Story: From Grief to Hope

Brandon Lynch, President and Founder of Kaden’s Kids, turned a profound personal loss into a beacon of hope for others. In May 2024, Brandon’s 3-year-old son, Kaden, tragically drowned in a family members pool in Illinois. Additionally, Kaden's 11-year-old sister was the person that found Kaden after the incident. This devastating event took just 10 minutes to occur, and ignited Brandon’s mission to prevent similar tragedies and support families dealing with difficult circumstances.

Kaden was your typical energetic & curious 3-year-old boy. Those things come with their own safety precautions and risks, as they do with any child. He loved playing in the dirt and always wanted to explore the heavy machinery and skid loaders he would see in the community. Mostly, he loved playing with other kids and would want them to enjoy the same things he loved. Determined to find a silver lining in this tragedy and his grief, Brandon established Kaden’s Kids to advocate for child safety and provide support and hope where it's most needed.

I had a chance to chat with Brandon about Kaden's Kids, his experience and the non-profit organization's goals for this upcoming Touch A Truck event and the future. Check out the full interview below.

What Kaden's Kids is All About

Kaden’s Kids focuses on enhancing child safety, with a particular emphasis on preventing drowning accidents. The organization promotes critical safety measures, like pool safety kits with door alarms and ladder placement tips. Kaden lost his life after sneaking outside to hop back into the pool for more fun and was not dressed to swim anymore.

Beyond water safety, Kaden’s Kids aims to support families through challenging times, whether that's related to divorce, loss, or other hardships. Their initiatives are designed to raise awareness and provide practical resources to keep children safe.

How Can I Get Involved in Dubuque's Touch A Truck Event?

Whether you’re a vehicle enthusiast, a parent looking for a fun day out with the kids, or someone inspired by Kaden’s legacy, the Touch A Truck event is a perfect opportunity to get involved. Not only will you and your family have the chance to explore a wide array of trucks and machinery, but you’ll also be supporting a cause that is transforming lives.

Remember, the event will be held on October 6, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Admission is free, but a free will donation is appreciated. Bring the family, enjoy the sights and sounds, and join the mission to keep children, and their families, safe. For more information on Kaden’s Kids, how you can contribute, or to stay updated on future events, visit the Kaden’s Kids Facebook page or contact Brandon Lynch at 319-654-7292. Together, we can honor Kaden’s memory and make a lasting impact in our local communities.