Six-year-old Kyla Mae Benton will be the grand marshal of the Whiteville Christmas Parade.
Kyla was seriously injured in the car crash that killed her mother, Misty Cribb, in January. Her stepbrother Maddox Zimmerman also sustained critical injuries. Cribb was taking the two to school when the crash occurred. Their infant sister Rhea was home with another family member.
Kyla has spent most of the past year in UNC Children’s hospital. Eddie Benton, her father, and other family members have made multiple trips to the hospital to spent time with Kyla.
Her recovery was documented on the Pray for Kyla Mae Facebook page maintained by Ashlee Roby.
During her time at UNC, family members stayed in a loaned camper trailer that was loaded with donations for the entire family. Some of those donations were shared with the family of another child on the same floor of the hospital.
Kyla is now home, but family members said she is still recovering, but faces additional surgeries and therapy for some time. Still, she managed to spend some time in her favorite summer activities: Dixie Youth Ball and cheerleading. Kyla returned to school this fall, and is also back dancing.
Downtown Whiteville NC announced on Facebook Monday that Kyla will be the grand marshal for the parade and Christmas Extravaganza Dec. 6.
“Kyla Mare has already inspired our entire community with her strength, spirit and remarkable journey of healing,” the post read. “Kyla has show what hope, determination and the power of prayer can do.”
“(She is) a joyful reminder of what this season is all about – faith, love and the miracles that bring us together.”
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