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The Erwin family gathered as part of a parade of more than 500 people on State Highway 19 Friday morning to make Rebecca Hathcoat feel special as she made her way to the hospital for her first chemotherapy treatment. Hathcoat was a speech teacher at Barbara Bush Early Childhood Learning Center for over 30 years, said former co-worker Star Erwin. Staff photo by Taylor Nye
Rebecca Hathcoat is a very special lady, according to her many friends. On Friday, more than 143 people lined State Highway 19 with their cars as part of a parade to make Hathcoat feel special as she made her way to the hospital for her first chemotherapy treatment.
The daughter of a teacher, Hathcoat started out as a speech teacher, then moved to special education. She spent the last two or three years of her 30-year career as a disability specialist for Head Start at Barbara Bush Early Childhood Learning Center. Hathcoat retired approximately three years ago and is still missed by her colleagues.
“It’s an incredible legacy she left in the school system,” said former co-worker and family member Star Erwin. “She was an amazing mentor and the very best advocate for every single kid in her room. Rebecca touched many parents over the years.”
“She means a whole lot to us teachers,” said friend Shirley Patchen.
Her family members describe her as sentimental, thoughtful and loving. Family is everything to her, and she does a fantastic job of being Granny to her three young grandchildren. They describe her as being 100% genuine—who you see is who you get.
Hathcoat is always prepared, friends said. Regardless of how obscure the need may be, she either has it, knows someone who has it or can find it in moments. She also makes the best fried chicken, sweet tea and chocolate glaze for cakes. She has a true servant’s heart and is always available for encouragement, support and advice when needed. Hathcoat listens without judgment and can be completely trusted with even the most sensitive information.
She also has a great sense of humor and can make anyone laugh.
At the hospital on Friday, Hathcoat received some very good news. Doctors told her the cancer was “contained and treatable,” and she will receive immunotherapy treatment instead of chemotherapy or radiation.