Kandance Fredericksen, a vibrant and compassionate Miss Teen USA beauty queen and activist, tragically lost her life in a car accident on Monday. Despite her young age, Kandance left an indelible mark on her community and beyond through her tireless advocacy for child abuse awareness and her unwavering dedication to helping victims of neglect and abuse. Her journey from a childhood marred by hardship to becoming a beacon of hope for others is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Kandance’s story began in a home where she endured immense suffering at the hands of her biological mother and stepfather. She spoke openly about the emotional and physical pain she experienced, often going hungry and feeling unloved. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 2017 when her biological father, Matthew, and his wife, Lisa, stepped in to provide her with a safe and loving home. This newfound sense of security and support allowed Kandance to flourish, and she eventually found her voice as an advocate for other children who had endured similar traumas.
Using her platform as the Miss Okaloosa County Teen winner, Kandance founded “Kada’s Promise,” an organization dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children who had been abused, neglected, or left without a stable home. Through her charity, she distributed teddy bears and blankets to thousands of children across four countries, including 300 bears sent to the Philippines in partnership with Miss World Wide International Kirsten Regaldo. For Kandance, these small gestures held profound significance, symbolizing “security, comfort, and hope” for those who felt alone and vulnerable. Her efforts extended beyond material gifts; she also shared her story publicly, speaking at local city council meetings and advocating for April to be recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month in her community.
Kandance’s mission was deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences of feeling worthless and unloved during her early years. In her book, Kada’s Promise, she shared her journey of healing and her determination to help others find the same sense of safety and love that she had discovered. Her adopted mother, Lisa, played a pivotal role in her life, offering unconditional love and support. Lisa described Kandance as a “beacon of light” who brought immense joy and purpose into their family’s life. Together, they created a home filled with love, completing their family with Kandance’s older sister and baby brother.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Kandance excelled in academics and pageantry. She was a high school senior with a bright future ahead of her, having already been accepted into nine universities and earning a $40,000 scholarship. Her dream was to become a veterinarian, a testament to her compassion and love for all living creatures. Her pageant coach, Michelle Watts, reflected on Kandance’s humility and kindness, noting that despite her many achievements, she remained a source of light and inspiration to everyone she met. Watt shared that Kandance even mentored her, a remarkable quality for someone so young.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kandance’s tragic death, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for healing and the possibility to make a difference in the world. Through her charity, her book, and her unwavering spirit, Kandance Fredericksen ensured that her voice would not be silenced, even after her passing. Her light will continue to shine, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and fight for a world where no child ever feels alone or unloved.
