Karma Hopper

 When it happens, you will realize how fortunate you are. Such is the story about a seven year old little girl named Karma Hopper. Karma was a second grade student at Graham Elementary School in Shelby. She could only be with her classmates two days a week because the other three days were spent at dialysis. Karma was on the list for a new kidney but that never transpired. She was, according to her teacher, Brandy Curtis, a child that “never complained and was the sweetest girl you could ever meet”. Her classmates, her school principal, in fact everyone at Graham Elementary loved Karma. Everyone she met was overwhelmed by her attitude and positive personality. Bob Luckadoo, the Graham School Principal said:  “She was always full of joy, had an infectious smile, and gave out lots of hugs. Karma was one of the finest little girls I’ve every known. I never saw her that she wasn’t offering love. I look forward to seeing her again.”

 After Demitruis Willis, a member of the 2 Wheel Syndicate motorcycle club, made their members aware of Karma and the ongoing costs of her medical treatments, they decided to do a fund-raiser on Sunday, October 6th. Mr. Willis, himself is on dialysis. The club organized a run from Gastonia to Shelby and raised $1,000 for Karma. At the end of the run, Karma was laughing, thanking the members and having a good time. Everyone was enjoying the achievement of that day. The clubs’ mission statement is: “Our Mission is to be more than a bike club - To be better Men - Empowering and helping one another while reaching out to empower and support our community and surrounding areas”. The following day, Monday, October 7th, without warning, Karma, the little girl that everyone loved, died. It was shocking and saddened all involved and all who knew her.

 Her parents asked the 2 Wheel Syndicate to serve as honor guards at Karma’s funeral. Her Principal and the teachers at Graham collectively agreed to plant a tree in her memory on the grounds of the school on October 22nd. The entire school participated in the dedication. Her classmates released pink balloons and the members of the 2 Wheel Syndicate gathered around the newly planted tree, which has a plaque at the base reading: “In Loving Memory, Karma Hopper, December 8, 2005 - October 7, 2013”.

 Principal Luckadoo addressed the group and in typical Karma fashion, stated that nobody should be “sad on this day, but grateful and thankful that we had the blessing of knowing Karma and someday we will be with her again.” At the end of the dedication, Karma’s teacher, assistant teacher and classmates released their pink balloons and smiled. They looked up to the heavens and gave Karma a big thumbs up.

 Karma’s parents, little sister, and older brother were there and were all thankful for everyone’s care and concern for her. They must know and realize that the day was also a reflection of what a family can produce. It was a celebration of the life of a very special “little girl that everyone loved.” As her teacher’s assistant, Varonica Carlton said: “We lost a love and heaven gained an angel”.

 An effort is now underway, to build a playground (which Graham Elementary does not have) in her Karma’s honor. Obviously, Karma Hopper is still giving hugs!