The artwork of a Dolores youth battling leukemia at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora has been selected for the hospital’s annual holiday card.
Nick Lester, 13, is one of nine patients with cancer and blood disorders whose art is featured by the hospital in 2017. His traditional Western Christmas scene will be on a holiday card sold for the season.
Lester wrote about his artwork in an email to The Journal.
“The artwork on the card is a country cabin Christmas showing a fireplace with an elk mounted above it. I got the idea because when I think of Christmas I think of a nice cozy fireplace with a Christmas tree by it. I am also a hunter, so I wanted to put something above the fireplace and chose an elk with stockings hanging on the antlers.”
Showing his true Christmas spirit, Lester donated his $250 prize to a student from his school who was injured in a car accident and is also being treated at Children’s Hospital.
“I made the donation because I felt that the family needed the money more than I do, and I like to help out when I can,” Lester wrote.
He learned his artcraft from his mom who is also an artist, and they enjoy creating art together. Lester’s realism style often features animals, and he also likes zentangle and some cartooning.
“It feels really cool and exciting to be chosen as one of the holiday cards for Children’s Hospital Colorado,” he said. “I worked very hard on the card.”
Lester was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in April 2017 and spent 4½ months undergoing chemotherapy at Children’s Colorado.
Besides artwork, his favorite activities also include hunting and fishing. Plus, he enjoys playing football and eagerly awaits the start of wrestling season.
He isn’t planning a career in art, but it will always be a favorite hobby in his life.
“I plan on studying wildlife biology in school,” Lester says.
Proceeds from the sale of greeting cards help to fund a range of services at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders to better meet the needs of patients, families and staff.
Children’s Colorado is also selling a holiday-decorated tin filled with 1 pound of chocolate caramels and deluxe mixed nuts. The holiday tin is decorated with art designed by one of the selected artists.
The holiday cards and tins can be purchased online at www.holidaycardproject.org, by calling 720-777-6286 or by visiting the Children’s Colorado Gift Shop at 13123 E. 16th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045.
Children’s Hospital Colorado is a leading pediatric network and 100 percent dedicated to the health and well-being of children, adolescents and young adults. Consistently acknowledged as one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado is recognized nationally and internationally for its medical, research, education and advocacy programs. It is at the forefront of research in childhood disease and pioneering treatments that are shaping the future of pediatrics, as well as offering everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com