After recurring bouts with cancer, which resulted in her being on crutches for four years, suffering severe back pain and having 10 surgeries, Yeatise Gaines, 17, was more than deserving of a special graduation ceremony.
Gaines started battling cancer that affected her bones and muscles when she was just 18 months old. She experienced recurrences at ages 2, 8 and 12. Doctors treated her cancer with radiation, which went into remission, but “weakened her lungs,” according to her mother.
A student at Kalamazoo Central High School, she dreamed of becoming an oncologist so she could help children battling cancer.
Gaines’ commencement date was set for June 4, but on May 14, her principal Valerie Boggan presented her with a cap, gown and certificate of completion. The special graduation ceremony was attended by 20 family members at Gaines’ bedside.
Gaines died the next day. She is survived by her parents, Willie and Santasha Gaines, and eight siblings: Ti-Kiyah, Alaeyah, Escobar, NaQuariah, Caithen, Ava and Willie III Gaines and De-Allen Williams.
Memorial services will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Second Baptist Church, 609 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo. The service will be preceded by a family hour starting at noon.
