I want to tell you about a dying father, his teenage daughter, and a community that banded together to put on an early high-school graduation ceremony – one that made the father and daughter’s dreams come true.

It’s a story of how a lifetime of positive impact reverberates across a single, special evening.

The Heart

Last Monday, the Huntington Beach Union High School District in California, Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Huntington Beach High Principal Danny Morris, and 16 families rallied together to put on a graduation ceremony for 18-year-old Abbi Kerwin… a couple of months earlier than usual.

That’s because Abbi’s 61-year-old father, Bill, is in the final days of his life. Bill was diagnosed with stage-4 pancreatic cancer a few months ago, and things took a turn for the worse a couple of weeks ago – he was no longer eating, off his medication, and doctors gave him a prognosis of only a few weeks left to live.

With the end nearing, Bill’s dream was to see his Abbi graduate. And, Abbi, who has always been extremely close to her father, dreamed of receiving her diploma from him. So, in a whirlwind 72 hours, the event was organized to make those wishes come true. Permits were expedited. Food was donated by local businesses. And 200 people – family, friends, and neighbors – showed up to celebrate.

It was more than a graduation – it was likely the final life milestone between a father and his daughter. There wasn’t a dry eye at Bolsa View Park.

The Journey

It’s no surprise that all these people put their lives on pause to make this moment happen for Bill and Abbi. Bill, an Army veteran, was a longtime employee of the Huntington Beach school district and a coach for various youth sports, known as the dad who cheered on everyone’s kids. Speaking to the crowd, Abbi – the varsity lacrosse captain, competitive golfer, and 4.5 GPA student – told her father she’s “thankful for how hard that you pushed me. It has been so worth it because you’ve helped me get this far [...] You’re the best man I’ve ever met, and I’m so proud to receive my diploma from you.” They held hands through her entire speech.

Bill told CBS LA that having everyone put together this event so he could celebrate Abbi – his “most awesome daughter” – is “beyond all measure.”

“To have her feel this moment with me is deeply rewarding.” 

The Takeaway

There’s no doubt that Abbi’s graduation was one of contradictions – of joy and grief, of smiles and tears, of hope and fear for the future. But Bill and Abbi are built as tough as they come. Abbi’s experience, however traumatic, has fueled her mission to go to nursing school. She wants to be there to help people during their hardest moments.

And for Bill, you get the sense that the man is made of gratitude. While life is on the verge of being cut short, there’s a pride in the legacy he leaves behind in Abbi, his wife, Kim, and son Chance, and everybody there on that day. On stage, he said: “Family starts in your community, with your friends, and it extends down to each of us. I just wanted to share that with everybody, because I’ve really had a transformation over the past I think four months about the value of that. So cherish what you have.”

It’s clear the community of Huntington Beach cherishes him.

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The Person Who Believed In Me

A couple of weeks ago, we highlighted the incredible work of the Burbank Parks & Rec Department in creating the city’s adaptive sports program. This week, I want to highlight Wesley Hamilton, who has created the first adaptive gym and wellness space in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Wesley’s INCLŪSIV Wellness Center features every machine and piece of equipment you can think of for people who are paralyzed, have limited limb function, or face decreased vision. There’s even group classes, a recovery room, and a co-working space… fulfilling Wesley's dream of creating a space where everyone could feel included.

INCLŪSIV stems from Wesley’s own tragedy 14 years ago, when he became disabled after being shot multiple times in the abdomen. Faced with his newfound hardship, he was determined to build a place that “shows people how you don’t have to be limited by your circumstance, but you can create whatever you want with just a little more effort.” 

I think INCLŪSIV has hit that goal.

I love being able to share a good update on a story we covered last week. Richard Pulley, the elderly DoorDash driver for whom Brittany Smith started a GoFundMe, received the nearly $1 million check this past week. It’s amazing to see how viral Brittany’s generosity went, inspiring people across America to give. The CEO of DoorDash, Tony Xu, even called Richard after making a donation!

This is what the Do Good Crew is all about.

A mother named Judy wrote to me about her son Mark. She told me he is a former police officer in Colorado who spent his life serving others, and now, at 63, he is battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

He cannot work, his family is struggling, and the bills are piling up.

Her note stayed with me. 

We have verified the GoFundMe and his diagnosis. If you are in a position to help, I hope you will consider it.