Senior is Able to Have An Early Graduation After Her Dad is Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

A Huntington Beach, California, high school senior honors her dying father by holding an early graduation for herself, fulfilling both their wishes. It was a happy day for them and all who attended. The senior, Abbi Kerwin, will be able to look back at the event with fond memories.

High School Senior Honors Dying Father with Last Minute High School Graduation

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Her father, Bill Kerwin, is in the 4th stage of pancreatic cancer, and has stopped all treatments. His one wish was to see his daughter graduate.

Bill served as a youth sports coach. Many people in the community showed up to support them and attend the graduation.

“You’re the best man I’ve ever met, and I’m so proud to receive my diploma from you,” Abbi told her father on stage after he handed her her diploma. 

“This was so meaningful to me. It really just showed how emotional this journey has been for me and I felt like I made a big step,” she said. “Knowing all my life after this, any year, I can just recount on my own highschool graduation, that I got to get my diploma from my dad.” 

A Proud Moment The Family Will Cherish

Bill said, “It’s a testament to her incredible drive and work ethic. It was a special, heartfelt, deep and emotional experience. It just made my heart sing.”

“I couldn’t be more proud as a father,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud just as a man to have a daughter like her. She’s driven and motivated.”

First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen, a friend of Bill’s, said she had only learned Friday the 13th how severe Bill’s condition was. She and 15 other parents scrambled over the weekend to make the graduation happen. 

“He’s a great man who contributed so much to this country, to this community,” Janet said. “We wanted to make sure he would be there for his daughter.”

Community Gives Thanks to Their Former Coach

Bill said, “It was great seeing family and friends I haven’t seen in a while show up and say thank you. I didn’t expect it. It’s overwhelming.”

After the ceremony, his friends and family brought out a cake to celebrate his 62nd birthday on March 26.

“There’s a symmetry to my life,” Bill joked. 

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Huntington Beach councilmembers announced that they will be dedicating a bench at Bolsa View Park in Kerwin’s memory.

Abbi will attend college in the fall and plans to become a nurse. 

What a beautiful moment this family got to share with everyone. It’s amazing how people can come together at the last minute to support a family and a good cause. The father can rest happily knowing that he got to see his daughter complete a major milestone. 

WATCH: Senior is Able to Have An Early Graduation After Her Dad is Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

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h/t: Orange County Register

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/KTLA 5

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.