Man in hospice care gets special graduation ceremony for his daughter

VIA Health Partners, founded as Hospice Cleveland County, recently made one patient’s wish to see his daughtergraduate from Kings Mountain High School come true.

Christopher Helms, a Kings Mountain resident, is a patient at Testa Family Hospice House. He wanted to see his daughter graduate but due to his terminal illness, was not able to attend in person. His Care Teamwas also afraid he might not have enough time.

Helms’ Hospice Social Worker, Simonya Clark, contacted Pam Sharts, with marketing for VIA Health Partners, and the two quickly put together a plan.

With the help of Kings Mountain High School Social Worker Savannah Owens and Principal Dustin Morehead, they were able to put together a small graduation ceremony at Testa Family Hospice House to make Helms' dream come true.

Staff worked to prepare Helms for the big day and even arranged a reception following the ceremony with Kings Mountain High School themed flower arrangements and decorations for family and friends to attend.

“I was so thrilled we were able to make this happen for Christopher and his family,” said Clark. “You could see the excitement in his eyes as his daughter came marching down the hall in her cap and gown.”

Family and friends were gathered around and watched with tears as Christopher presented his daughter with flowers. The ceremony included the reading of a Graduation Blessing by Clark as well as remarks from Morehead and other staff before the presentation of the diploma.

“Events like today are the true meaning of Hospice,” said Sharts. “Helping patients live their final days in peace and comfort so they can spend quality time with their loved ones is a team effort and is what Hospice is all about. I am blessed to have been a part of making Christopher’s wish come true and creating this meaningful memory for his family.”

VIA Health Partners offers hospice and palliative services spanning 35 counties across North and South Carolina.The VIA Health Partners Cleveland County office serves as the hub of the western region which includes Caldwell, Burke, McDowell, Rutherford and Polk counties.