Young artist is quite a card
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Kyla Haire's drawing is featured on the Greenville Shriner's Hospital Christmas cards.

The artwork of a 12-yearold Gaffney resident has been chosen by the Greenville Shriner's Hospital to be featured on the front of its Christmas card.

Kyla Haire's drawing of a Shriner's Hospital at the North Pole was chosen from a pool of entries for the card that will be sent to a number of places in the Southeast and across the nation.

The fact that her work was selected from such a large group surprised her, partially because entering a contest was not part of the plan when they went to the hospital a few weeks ago.

"We were simply going for a checkup when one of the nurses asked us whether we wanted to draw something for a card," Kyla said. "But I'm glad I won. It is the first time I have won something like this."

"I learned about her winning it through an e-mail," Kyla's mother, Angela Haire, said. "I rushed them the information they wanted and told just about everyone I knew. This is great."

Kyla has been a patient at the Greenville Shriner's Hospital since 1999. She has a condition that causes her bones to weaken and break.

The hospital has addressed the orthopaedic needs of more than 50,000 children since 1927 without any costs to patients or their families.

Angela said the doctors and nurses have always helped and been pillars of strength during visits.

"They are always encouraging," Angela said. "They always help when needed and make us feel comfortable while we are there."

Kyla, who is an avid fan of reading books and learning about animals, said she enjoys drawing and making crafts, referring to it as her "starter career." She dreams of someday becoming an actress.

"I like drawing but I want to be an actress when I grow up," Kyla said. "But I have some time before I get to that."

She received some help on the artwork from friends and family, especially her mother and aunt, who taught her to draw one her favorite animals - a penguin.

"They are so cute, I just love penguins a lot," Kyla said. "I just recently learned to draw them, especially after having chances to draw them on my cast a few months ago."

The picture, complete with a "North Pole Shriner's Hospital," penguins and a decorated tree, earned Kyla a gift card from Toys-R-Us. She said she expects to purchase a book or video games with the gift card.

"I have no idea yet, but I will soon make a decision," Kyla said.