By Kat Bryant

Grays Harbor News Group

A beleaguered Hoquiam family received an outpouring of community support Saturday, starting with a parade down Sumner Avenue and culminating in a mini graduation ceremony for their daughter.

Rhea Abbott was diagnosed in March with terminal cancer had been receiving home hospice care overseen by her husband, Teddy. Their daughter, Rashelle Bates, is a senior at Hoquiam High School and a regular Special Olympics competitor in basketball and bowling.

“Rhea’s big thing was she wanted to live long enough to see Rashelle graduate,” said longtime family friend Trish Golphenie-Grimes — but doctors said she might have only days left.

So Golphenie-Grimes, Lin Messerer and a few other friends made some calls. The Hoquiam Police Department, Hoquiam High School, the Pushrods and Test of Time car clubs, and the Hombres Motorcycle Club answered.

HPD Sgt. Brian Dayton gave the OK for an informal parade, with the caveat that participants not impede traffic. He ended up leading the way in a patrol car on Saturday, according to Golphenie-Grimes.

“It just kept getting bigger,” she said. “It was thrown together in a matter of days, and it couldn’t have gone any better.”

The parade started at the Dollar Tree parking lot and continued past the Abbotts’ home. The Traffic Control Co. pulled an electronic sign reading “Great Job!! Rashelle 2020.” Members of the Pushrods drove their classic vehicles; the Hombres rode their Harleys. Other members of the community also joined in.

“What fun to be in line with the vintage cars, the cycles and mainly the friends of this amazing family,” Barb George posted on Facebook that afternoon. “Yes, my Prius was lame compared to the amazing Pushrods, but we sure had fun!”

Rhea Abbott’s bed was set up at the front window so she could witness the event.

“Rhea just bawled through the entire thing,” said Golphenie-Grimes. “She couldn’t believe there were so many people in the community who cared about them.”

After the parade, the family got a special surprise: HHS Principal Brock Maxfield and several of Rashelle’s teachers returned with a cap and gown for Rashelle to wear, and they conducted a mini graduation ceremony on the front lawn for her mother could see.

“Rhea was able to watch through the window as Rashelle accepted her diploma and threw her cap into the air,” said Golphenie-Grimes.

“I know it gave (Rhea) some closure,” she added. “It was a beautiful thing in such a horrible time.”

“It was a bittersweet event — celebrating graduation and success, but also wanting a miracle to happen for the family,” agreed Messerer. “I’m grateful for everyone who came, (and) for Hoquiam High staff who showered Rashelle with support.”

“Rashelle’s real bright, energetic, constantly smiling, always happy — just a pleasure to be around,” said Maxfield. “I feel like if you can do something special like this, why wouldn’t you?”

Rhea Abbott died Tuesday night.

Anyone wishing to express their support to the family may do so through the Facebook group Rhea’s Fight.

Lin Messerer photo Hoquiam High School Principal Brock Maxwell conducts a mini graduation ceremony for senior Rashelle Bates on her front lawn as her mother, Rhea Abbott, watches from her bed inside.