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Kendyl and Friends Foundation P.O. Box 298 Burgin, KY 40310
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Our Story and Mission
At a mere three weeks of age, Kendyl began having seizures and was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital. After many extensive tests, Kendyl was diagnosed with meningitis and she slipped into a coma.
After two weeks of excruciating treatment without any signs of improvement, doctors told her parents that there was nothing more they could do for her. Kendyl was then given a prognosis of only living to be two months old and if by the grace of God, she surpassed that time frame, she would be in a vegetable-like state, relying on machines to keep her alive. It was suggested that her parents call in the family to say their goodbyes because Kendyl would not make it much longer.
Fortunately..... Click here to read the full story
After two weeks of excruciating treatment without any signs of improvement, doctors told her parents that there was nothing more they could do for her. Kendyl was then given a prognosis of only living to be two months old and if by the grace of God, she surpassed that time frame, she would be in a vegetable-like state, relying on machines to keep her alive. It was suggested that her parents call in the family to say their goodbyes because Kendyl would not make it much longer.
Fortunately..... Click here to read the full story
Meet our Executive and General Board
Thank you for your patience as we expand the information and resources on our Website
Thank you for your patience as we expand the information and resources on our Website
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Crimson Claycomb, Executive Director
As the founder of KFF, this is a labor of love to serve as the Executive Director. See Kendyl's Story above. Jessica Tucker, Treasurer
(bio coming soon!) Geri Packwood, Social Media and Marketing Director
I am a Nurse Practitioner at the University of Kentucky (UK) with a bachelor's and doctoral degree from UK in advanced nursing practice as well as a BS and MS in Animal Science. After practicing as an emergency department nurse for 8 years, I began my practice as an advanced practice nurse with UK Healthcare in 2017 as a Board-Certified Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. As a lifelong learner and patient advocate, improving healthcare literacy and offering family support is a passion. I currently serve a corresponding writer, social media marketer and healthcare support in my role with Kendyl and Friends. My husband Ryan and our children share residences in Central KY and Southern Indiana. In my rare spare time, I enjoy gardening, the outdoors, travel, and community events with family. Fun fact: my daughter Kaylee is an Overcomer player and our family is one of many embracing Overcomers sports as family tradition. Your name here, Secretary
This officer position is open. Consider supporting KFF with your gifts Sandy Richardson, Board Member
I have had the honor of serving as a board member for KFF for more than 8 years. In the beginning, my decision to be a part of this foundation was primarily to help plan activities for my son who has an extremely rare genetic disorder, Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK) Syndrome. However, The love I have developed for all the special friends we have made has ultimately kept me here. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky and have served on a number of groups, committees, and boards all of which has enabled me to use my skills for organizing activities and fundraisers. It has been one of my greatest honors being a part of Kendyl and Friends Foundation and I look forward to the exciting things we have planned for the future. Kaylynn Rothacker, Board Member
As a public school teacher, mother and child advocate, Kaylynn is an ongoing supporter of inclusive events and activities which promote child development and fun! Jessica Black, Board Member (bio coming soon)
Chad Ellis, Board Member (bio coming soon)
Kim Ellis, Board Member (bio coming soon) Renee Hinton, Board Member (bio coming soon) David Best, Board Member
My name is David Best and I am a lifelong Mercer County resident. My wife, Sheila, and I have been married for thirty-four years, have two beautiful daughters and two grandsons. I am truly blessed and have always tried to stay involved and give back to my community because I believe in our community and all the people that call Mercer County home. I serve as Vice President of the Mercer County Fair and Horse Show, District Chief of Station 11 of the Mercer County Fire Protection District and have been a certified EMT for 30 years. I am honored to have been installed as a Kentucky Colonel and Commonwealth Ambassador in 2017. I am a 1989 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Agriculture and majored in Agricultural Economic (Business Management and Finance and Credit Management). I am employed as Branch Manager of the Local Officials Compliance and Technical Support Branch in the Kentucky Department of Revenue for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. My wife and I also own and operate Best Sound Around, an audio support business which provides PA live sound support for festivals, graduations, fairs, and cheerleading & dance competitions. Our business has served the central Kentucky area since 1993. I became involved with Kendyl and Friends Foundation several years ago, as a Board member. Through this organization, I have received so many blessings and gratification from serving all the special needs children and young adults we encounter. There are many that I will never meet that this foundation has impacted through the playgrounds we have assisted with. Another joy I see is the impact made on the parents, grandparents, and caregivers of these children, who place their trust in us and see that we love them. We strive to turn disabilities into abilities when we see the children at play on one of the playgrounds or teaching and assisting them in baseball games in our Overcomers Baseball League. |
Leslie J. Hardman, Chairperson
I am a past KFF Board member and current chairperson. I have been a pediatric occupational therapist (OT) for 40 years and am Associate Professor at Eastern Kentucky University in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, teaching students for 11 years. KFF families and supporters are my community members and I have known many of our participants their whole lives, including Kendyl. I am skilled at program development and use my OT expertise to support the mission of KFF to provide inclusive playgrounds, sports, events and creative activities for families, children, and adults with all abilities. There is no better day than when I get to play baseball or basketball with happy young people. I have learned with them all the creative ways you can run the bases or shoot a basketball! 
Chyenne Buck, Board Member I am Chyenne Buck, the mother of two incredible boys, Calvin and Charlie, and the wife of a wonderful man, Ryan. My oldest son was born with a rare genetic condition, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Navigating insurance and disability law for his essential care needs has been overwhelming and difficult to navigate at times. Finding an organization like what the Kendyl and Friends foundation provides has been a reprieve for me and my family. This organization is built on inclusivity, providing opportunities and advocacy for our community as well as educational opportunities on planning for our future. Everyone’s journey is different, but to not feel isolated in our own sense of normal has been essential to helping my kids thrive and enjoy their childhood. The sports leagues offered through Kendyl and Friends are something both of my boys always look forward to! To be a small part in such a wonderful program is an honor. I hope to share my passion of inclusivity and community involvement with all the families of Kendyl and Friends. Sheila Best, Board Member
My name is Sheila Best. I am married to David and am a lifelong resident of Mercer County. My background involves working in the insurance industry for over 28 years (as a licensed agent) and now as an Insurance Policy Specialist II for the KY Department of Insurance. My husband, David and I have been associated with Kendyl and Friends Foundation for many years and are honored to serve as Board Members. It is such a joy to join with the many wonderful people associated with the foundation in helping with all the various events of the foundation, whether it be Overcomers Baseball and Basketball and Cheerleading to Trunk or Treat or the wonderful Galas to help raise funds to realize Kendyl and Friends Foundation's goal for an All Inclusive Baseball Field. I am a hobby photographer and truly love taking photographs at the many Kendyl and Friends Foundations events. It is so rewarding to capture precious moments of our Overcomer Athletes and share the photos of their precious, smiling faces!! 
Kaydance Logue, Junior Board Member and
Social Media Assistant I am a student at Burgin Independent and am a member of my school's volleyball and softball teams, the National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, and the concert, jazz, and pep bands. I’m also part of the gifted and talented program. Outside of school, I spend my time playing travel volleyball, participating in honors bands, and volunteering with Kendyl and Friends Foundation (KFF). My advocacy for the inclusion of all abilities began when my sister, Kendyl, was born. Since the beginning of KFF, I’ve been actively involved in ensuring a safe and fun environment for everyone. I serve as a Junior Board member, help manage the KFF Instagram page, and with the help of Sheila and David Best, I’m the Mic Controller for Overcomer Sports. I also encourage my peers at school to get involved with the KFF community and promote inclusion in all aspects of life. Aynslee Ellis (Junior Board Member) (bio coming soon)
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Our beautiful star logo is courtesy of Shelbi Hopper,
KFF Overcomers Baseball Star
and Artist in Harrodsburg, KY
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