Kyli Steele selects the winning raffle ticket for a fund raising benefiting cancer research at First United Security Bank in Centreville on Saturday, December 18th. Her older sister, McKenzie holds the box. Kyli who was diagnosed with Lukemia nearly 6 months ago has been a source of inspiration for her family as well as the community.
By Daniel L. Bamberg
Kyli Steele may only be three years old but she is wise enough to not allow her conidtion to take away her Christmas spirit. She is the daughter of David and Jennifer Steele. Six months ago she was diagnosed with cancer. Since her diagnosis members of the community have rallied around her in support of a girl whose very presence seems to bring warmth even on a very cold day.
Since being diagnosed her condition has been improving.
“She’s wide open now,” said David. “This is the best she has felt in over a year. That’s including before diagnosis. It’s been hard to keep her inside so she won’t get sick, because she feels so much better.”
In October Ashley and Richie Sievering along with others from the community began a raffle to raise money for the Kyli Steele Leukemia Fund. The prize was to be a Savage 111 FCXP3 270 caliber rifle, including factory mounts, a 3-9x40 scope, and a nylon sling.
On Saturday, December 18 Kyli, heart melting smile and all, showed up at First United Security Bank in Centreville, to draw the winner name from a box.
Her father explained later that he thought she’d pull out a handful of names. Instead however, Kyli only drew one name and the winner was Kyle Boothe of Brent.
The raffle raised $4,000 from the sell of 800 tickets.
“We are very appreciative,” explained David. There has been a lot of support from the community, which has helped Kyli. The support has made this situation better for her.”
When asked what she thought, Kyli declined to verbally comment but instead smiled which is the arguably the strongest comment one can make.
Earlier this year not long after discovering his daughters condition David expressed, “Please do not wait until you need the benefits of cancer research to support the cause of finding a cure.”
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