Restaurant Owner Drives 6 Hours Across State Lines - All to Fulfill Dying Womans Final Request

Like many restaurants, Mama Kwan's Grill and Tiki Bar in Outer Banks, North Carolina, is used to getting calls for take-out.

However, when owner Kevin Cherry received a long-distance call from Mary Simmons in late February, it wasn't for your typical to-go order.

Simmons was desperately trying to make her best friend's dying wish come true — one final meal from her family's favorite vacation restaurant.

The problem? Her friend, Heather Bowers, lived six hours away in West Virginia. Knowing it was a long shot, Simmons hoped the food could be shipped.

Cherry did one better. He delivered. Literally.

Mother of Two Young Children Is Diagnosed With Stage 4 Cancer

Three and a half years ago, registered nurse Heather Bowers received the news no one wants to hear — she had cancer.

Diagnosed with Stage 4, she spent the remaining years of her life valiantly battling the disease.

“Right out of the gate it was Stage 4,” Simmons said. “What she went through in three-and-a-half-years would’ve brought down the strongest man.”

The cancer, combined with the aggressive chemotherapy treatment, took its toll. In late February, Bowers, 47, was in hospice, preparing to say her final goodbye.

Bowers had one last wish on her deathbed: a pork plate from Outer Banks restaurant Mama Kwan's.

Simmons knew it was nearly impossible. She made the call anyway.

A Restaurant Owner Delivers Just in Time

When Cherry heard about Bowers' dying wish, he didn't think twice. He dropped everything to make it happen.

Shortly after reaching out to the restaurant, Simmons received a call back. The meal was packed up and on its way.

“She calls me back about 5 o'clock. She says, 'Kevin already has it packed up. He’s in the car and he’s on his way there,'” Simmons recalled being told.

“He’s on his way.”

Nearly six hours later, Cherry showed up at Bowers' door. Despite being emotionally wrought over his mission, he was determined to deliver the meal with a smile.

“About halfway up, I had to turn the radio off and had to talk to myself, saying, ‘You can’t walk in here like this,'” Cherry shared. “You’ve got to walk in with a little bit of sunshine from the Outer Banks.”

He made it just in time, delivering what ended up being Bowers' last meal. Less than 24 hours later, she passed away.

When he heard the news, Cherry honored Bowers by putting the words "Heather, Rest in Peace" on Mama Kwan's restaurant sign.

A Final Gift

In a Facebook post, Simmons shared a heartfelt tribute to Cherry, writing:

"Kevin at Mama Kwans is one of the most genuine people in the world. He still has never met me in person and traveled over five hours to bring my best friend’s favorite meal to her, after one simple phone call."

She went on to say:

"He literally delivered it to her house the same day I called to see if they could possibly ship food. This ended up being her last night on Earth as she passed away from cancer the next evening- less than 24 hours after he was able to meet her, her husband, and her two young children.

"Simply put- he made one of her last wishes come true."

Mary Simmons via Facebook

According to her post, Cherry didn't want any recognition for what he had done. As he told WFLA News, "anyone in his position would’ve done the same thing."

Simmons hopes that sharing her story will inspire others.

“I just think maybe, if people see that kind of kindness, it’ll start spreading,” Simmons said. “That’s the hope. He made her smile — one of the final smiles of her life.”

Our society has an uneasy relationship with death. It carries a heavy emotional price tag. But it is also an honor to be a part of someone's dying process.

Cherry didn't have to drop everything and travel six hours. After all, it's a long way to go and a lot of effort for a complete stranger. But by being there for Bowers and delivering her last request, Cherry didn't just give her a favorite meal; he gave an incredible final gift of compassion and humanity to a woman about to say her hardest goodbye.

There is no greater gift than that.

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