KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WTVR) — A Michigan high school did something amazing for a senior grappling with a terminal form of cancer who dreamed of graduating.
Teachers at Kalamazoo Central High School said 17-year-old Yeatise Gaines remained cheerful and positive — and very focused on school — while battling cancer that affected her bones and muscles.
It was one of her biggest dreams to graduate high school.
As a result, school staffers staged an impromptu graduation in the hospital for Yeatise one day before she died, reports WXMT.
Principal Valerie Boggan said learned Yeatise was back in the hospital and that her family wanted help giving her a graduation celebration, people at the school didn’t hesitate.
Boggan and other staff members took a cap, gown and a certificate of completion to her hospital room for a special celebration.
“It meant the world to her,” Yeatise’ sister Ava said. “Even if it wasn’t the normal, it was still really important to her.”
The outpouring of support has been comforting for the family.
