Kyra's Kisses brings comfort to hospitalized youth

Sometimes tragedy can spark generosity.

When 2-year-old Kyra Eads underwent cancer treatment in Denver, she received toys after chemotherapy and radiation. This process helped her get used to the treatments, said Eads' mother Kaila Kuhns.

Kuhns was inspired to create her charity, Kyra's Kisses by how much this small reward comforted her daughter. Kuhns founded the charity, which provides new toys to local hospitals in February.

"It's been amazing," Kuhns said. "We've had nurses call and thank me for doing this."

Kyra's Kisses began with an initial delivery of toys to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, where Kuhns lives but expanded this week when she provided a box of toys to Sidney Regional Medical Center. Kuhns grew up partially in Sidney and still has family here.

Although Eads died of an inoperable brain tumor in April, her mother continued with her mission.

"Our goal is just to raise as much funds as possible," Kuhns said.

The group has already acquired around $1,000 through keychain and bracelet sales, while Kuhns and her family have also donated generously to the cause.

"This is awesome," said Chelsey Kennedy, director of maternity and infant services at SRMC.

The toys donated to SRMC will help children who come to the hospital for surgeries, broken bones and other treatments in Sidney.

"We get a lot of kids who're scared," she said.

Those interested in helping this cause can donate new toys at the drop off box at First United Methodist Church in Sidney or visit the organization's Facebook group, titled Kyra's Kisses for more information. Kyra's Kisses accepts only brand new toys for sanitation purposes.