Family unveils memorial bench honoring Kyndal Gottfried at Atascadero Lake Park
By Camille DeVaul · Mon Oct 20 2025
Overlooking the playground where she once played, the new bench offers a place for family, friends, and the community to remember Kyndal’s joy, courage, and love for life
ATASCADERO — A new bench now sits overlooking the playground at Atascadero Lake Park. On Saturday, Oct. 11, the Gottfried family gathered with friends to unveil a memorial bench dedicated to Kyndal Leah Gottfried, a bright, joyful little girl whose spirit continues to inspire all who knew her.
The setting was one Kyndal would have loved. The park was alive with children’s birthday parties and laughter. As the family prepared for the unveiling, a familiar sound filled the park — Katy Perry’s “Roar,” Kyndal’s personal theme song, playing from a nearby party. It was an unexpected, heartfelt reminder that her presence, in many ways, is still here.
“We wanted this bench to honor Kyndal so we’d have a place to remember some of her most happy moments along with her sweetness and her laughter — which was so contagious — and her love for us and for life,” shared Cecilia Gottfried, Kyndal’s grandmother. “Missing our sweetheart’s presence is the toughest, and life will never be the same without her here. But we are determined to keep her memory alive and honor her, holding on to God’s promise that one day we will be with her again.”
The bench, made possible through cooperation with the City of Atascadero, was placed in the perfect spot, overlooking the playground where Kyndal often played. Cecilia worked closely with Danielle Hakanson of Public Works to make the project a reality.
“We want to thank Danielle for her part in getting the bench approved, making it a dream come true for our family and for Kyndal,” Cecilia said.
Following the unveiling, the family shared a picnic at the park, complete, of course, with Kyndal’s favorite meal, In-N-Out Burger.
Kyndal’s story touched the hearts of many across the community and beyond. Diagnosed at just 5 years old with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, Kyndal underwent two brain surgeries, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and proton radiation. Her treatments took her and her family across the country — from Texas Children’s Hospital to Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta.
“We will forever be thankful for all of those who shared their love and compassion with Kyndal and our family,” Cecilia said.
Through it all, Kyndal remained radiant, full of joy, compassion, and courage. Even at the end, when Kyndal’s fight was at its hardest, she remained happy, thinking of others and full of love for her family. Kyndal loved life in all its forms. She was a little athlete and a princess.
“Last but certainly not least, we mostly want to thank Camille DeVaul of Atascadero News for her journalism in so heartfully laying out in photos and writings of Kyndal's story and our family’s journey with and without her,” Cecilia added.
On Oct. 8, 2024, after a long and brave battle, Kyndal passed away surrounded by loved ones. Her celebration of life was held Nov. 9, 2024, at Atascadero Bible Church, where the community came together to honor her legacy of light, courage, and faith.
“We love and appreciate our friends and community that loved and supported Kyndal through her life’s journey,” said Cecilia. “This bench is for them to have for remembering their good times together.”
To read more about Kyndal’s journey, visit atascaderonews.com and search “Kyndal.”
Feature Image: The family of Kyndal Gottfried gathers by the new memorial bench dedicated to her at Atascadero Lake Park. Kyndal passed away on Oct. 8, 2024, from medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Photo by Camille DeVaul/ATN