Kaitlyn McAfee, a December 2017 graduate from Collegiate High, is one of the top runners-up in Tennessee for the 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Ms. McAfee will receive an engraved bronze Distinguished Finalist medallion to commemorate the prestigious award.
Ms. McAfee became involved in fundraising for scoliosis research after her scoliosis diagnosis in 2012. “I felt ashamed and alone,” she said. “However, I knew I could not be the only one going through this, so I started a support group called Curve Scoliosis.” She started the group in hopes of connecting others dealing with scoliosis so that they would not have to feel alone.
Scoliosis can be treated, but not cured.
To raise awareness and hopefully find a cure, Ms. McAfee began hosting Color the Curve, a 5k and 1-mile fun run. Over the past five-years, of hosting the annual event, the run has attracted participants from 28 states, as well as, Canada, Italy, Brazil and Mexico. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from Color the Curve events are donated to the National Scoliosis Foundation. Ms. McAfee has spent more than 500 hours working on scoliosis research fundraising since 2012, and her efforts have raised over $65,000.
Ms. McAfee is a National Scoliosis Foundation Angel Brigade member, the 2017 recipient of the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award for Southeast Tennessee, and the co-director of fundraising for the National Scoliosis Foundation. When she is not working on Color the Curve, she often volunteers with Special Olympics Tennessee and March of Dimes.
Ms. McAfee will receive the Prudential Award at the March meeting of the Hamilton County Board of Education. She is the only recipient of a Prudential Award in Hamilton County.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the largest youth recognition program in the United States based exclusively on volunteer community service.