Kayla Smith - Summer 2006

Hello! My name is Kayla Smith, but all my friends call me K.J. I was born on April 12, 1991, in Maryland General Hospital in Baltimore. A few days later I was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

I hear my mom telling people about when and how I was born, and, of course, I don’t remember any of it. I do know that I have had 27 surgeries; a number of them have been at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

The medical stuff is for my mom to share. I want to share the fun stuff about my life.

First, I have a passion for music. My favorite kind of music is Christian music. I’ve sung a few times in front of large audiences, including my school, church and church camp. My favorite songs are “Every Move I Make,” “There’s No One Like You,” “Sing Like the Saved,” “Nothing But the Blood” and “The Grand Ole Flag.”.

Next, I love to play sports. I have earned many ribbons while participating in the Special Olympics. My two favorite sports are basketball and swimming. I also like to participate in other sports like track and field, softball, mat ball, kick ball, dodge ball and bowling. I also like to watch football with my mom. My favorite football player is Ben Roethlisberger.

Finally, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. In the summer, one of my favorite family activities is going to amusement parks. I really had a lot of fun at Hershey Park this year with all my new friends I met at the CCA Family Retreat. I also like to go camping and biking during the summer with my family.

During the winter, I like to play board games and watch movies with my grandparents. My favorite board games are “Outburst” and “Scattegories.” And my favorite movies are Cheaper by the Dozen and Daddy Day Care.

Well, it’s time for me to go have some fun. I’m trying to decide if I want to go visit my grandma, go swimming or listen to my music.

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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