PALM COAST, Fla. – Roselyn’s birthday was a little different from what most kids experience as they grow out of the toddler stage—but it was incredibly special in its own way.
After all, not every 4-year-old can say they were serenaded by more than 500 first responders, classic car enthusiasts, waste trucks, tow trucks, motorcycle clubs, and well-wishers on their big day.
On Saturday, September 20th, a long line of vehicles stretched down State Road 100—so long it required traffic control—as participants slowly made their way toward Roselyn’s home to take part in her birthday parade.
Undergoing cancer treatments, Roselyn’s parents have to be extra cautious about exposure, keeping her circle small for now. That made the idea of a drive-by celebration the perfect solution—and a truly heartwarming one.
Family friend and event organizer Mercedes Albrecht said once the word got out about the birthday parade, it spread like wildfire. The response was overwhelming.
“It was the most amazing thing I ever seen! We were at Target early and they just kept coming and coming. From the classic cars, to tow trucks, semis, construction trucks, limos, jeeps, to the motorcycles. I cried every single time a new club pulled in. The support was absolutely amazing,” she said.
“Roselyn was the happiest girl in the world on Saturday, because of the members of the community who showed up for her! I would organize her a parade over and over again to see that smile on her face, if even for just one day!” said Albrecht.
Bill Heffern, co-founder of Heffern Productions, said they were honored to be part of something so meaningful for the young girl and her family.
“I was part of it putting the word out to all my car community, the bikers did their thing. We had hundreds of vehicles in the Target parking lot this morning for the drive by,” said Heffern.
“It’s awesome. We enjoy it. The smiles that it puts on people’s faces and everything else … it’s why we do it, and the community came together in a big way.” (Video/Mercedes Albrecht)
Participants came from across Florida to take part in the celebration.
“We were also honored to be a part of this. We had members from my team that drove from Sumter County, Lake County, Seminole County, Polk County and Volusia County to make this. I love that we saw so many communities come together to make Roselyn’s day special,” shared Alex Rivera.
Batman even got in on the festivities, arriving via limousine.
“We were so honored to be a part of this amazing experience. The turnout was unbelievable. Our community truly is amazing,” added Marlo Denning, co-owner of Elegant Limousines & Wedding Services.
A New Hometown, New Challenges
Roselyn’s family moved to the area just a year ago, and it’s been a whirlwind of emotions as they’ve navigated her diagnosis of childhood cancer. But amidst the struggle, they’ve found something beautiful: community.
They’ve been embraced by the Live Like Cameron Foundation, a local organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer. Through it, they’ve found warmth, understanding, and a support system they never knew they’d need.
Roselyn is now part of a group of young cancer patients and survivors affectionately known as the “Flagler Warriors”—a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Continuing to celebrate Roselyn’s birthday, the family attended the 8th Annual Live Like Cameron 5K event on Sunday where young cancer warriors, including Roselyn, were showered with love and support.
While there, dad Matthew Green and mom Shadae Tailer-Deiter shared their daughter’s excitement over the special birthday weekend.
“Her immune system is very low and we didn’t want a lot of people coming into one place and getting her sick,” said Tailer-Deiter, who says they counted a total of 518 people in the birthday procession on Saturday.
“She was so excited, she started her little princess wave. It was awesome,” she said.
