Local ARC member share perspective on happiness

HATTIESBURG, Miss - The ARC of Southeast Mississippi is a United Way non-profit organization devoted to providing community based services to individuals with mental challenges and their families.

One local ARC member shared her perspective on happiness and what it means to live with down syndrome.

Kerry Camille Helveston, also known as the sunshine around Hattiesburg, inspires everyone she meets with positive energy.

"I like spending time helping with others who has disabilities," said Helveston.

She was born with down syndrome and grew up with supportive family and friends.

“Kerry Camille started at Thames elementary when she was just several months old and began early intervention there, and she stayed there until she graduated. After graduation she went to Hattiesburg High, she had a fantastic experience there. When she graduated from there, she attended USM and was involved with the project search program there,” said Kerry Camille's mother, Kerry Love Davis.

Her mother said her kind spirit comes from her spiritual life.

“She’s a prayer warrior and she believes in Jesus Christ and a friend of mine, when she was just a little baby in the hospital, had man many IVs in here, there was nowhere to put another one. She looked down and said this precious angel is wired for success,” said Davis.

Kerry Camille's grandfather is one of the most influential people in her life and his story continues to inspire her to sing and shine happiness.

"When my granddad was a doctor - but he retired - He’s a pediatrician and when my mama was a little girl, he would always sing to her you are my sunshine,”