If you see some bright lights, smell burning rubber, and hear a lot of screeching tires coming from Dows in a few weekends, don’t be nervous. This is all part of a great event, now in its fourth year. Cruisin for a Cause will be held on Saturday, September 18, and making its way around the area, all in an effort to support the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa.
Cruisin for a Cause has become an annual fundraiser that was started by Kyle and Jodi Braun of Belmond. Kyle, who is a huge car enthusiast, explained that a few years ago, he had put together a ’63 Buick station wagon and was looking for something fun to do with it. When he thought about worthwhile causes that he could support, one stood above the rest, for very personal reasons – The Spina Bifida Association of Iowa.
The Brauns have a very vested interest in the organization as a family. Kyle and Jodi’s 11-year-old daughter Ava has spina bifida. According to the association’s website, ‘Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. It’s a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs when a baby’s neural tube fails to develop or close properly – the literal meaning for Spina Bifida is “split spine”.’ There are various types of spina bifida that can range for mild to severe.
Jodi explained that they found out about Ava’s diagnosis when she was 20 weeks pregnant. Jodi spent the last half of her pregnancy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. When born, Ava also had severe hydrocephalus. The Brauns said they faced the very real possibility that Ava may not survive.
Since then, Ava has become known as the “miracle girl” to her family. Though she is paralyzed from the ribs down, uses a wheelchair and still makes frequent trips to Mayo, she is a boisterous and talkative 11-year-old with a zest for life.
The Brauns explain that families like them rely on the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa for many things. Jodi said the organization might help families with anything from medical appointments and supplies to travel and lodging in addition to fun things like camps and sports clinics for people with spina bifida. They added that supporting the association is especially important now as they have had a shortfall of funds in the last few years.
With that in mind, the Brauns are excited to be gearing up for Cruisin for a Cause Saturday, September 18. Kyle said that last year the event raised about $21,000, making it a top spina bifida association fundraiser nationwide. They hope to beat that number this year.
The Brauns said that the day starts out at the Dows Convention Center with registration taking place until 10 am. (They will accept registration the day of the event.) Kyle noted that people are welcome to take part with anything that has wheels. Throughout the day, the cruise will travel to Meservey, Garner, Britt, Renwick and then back to Dows by about 5 pm.
Back in Dows, there is a silent and live auction, meal and a lot a fun. Cars are lined up on the street. Music will be provided by Cody Hicks with a meal from Mama Dee’s. Kyle adds that Neal Hinman is planning on having his nitro burning hot rod on display and a burn out is a very real possibility! It will be a good, loud time! Everyone is invited to come out whether it’s all day for the cruise or just in the evening for the fun on Dows Main Street.
The Braun family says they always look forward to the event and are so thankful for all the sponsors and people from near and far who help make it possible. Ava’s grandmother, Kathy, said, “The town and the surrounding area has been so good to us and this event.” Kyle added, “This is just a good area for helping people out. This is about the fun but also raising funds for a great cause.”
If people can’t be at the event but want to contribute to Cruisin for a Cause, they can Venmo donations to @spinabifida-cruise. More information about the event can also be found on the Cruisin for a Cause Facebook page.
