This is a heartwarming moment a 47-year-old father battling esophageal cancer for years has managed to defy the odds to escort his 17-year-old daughter at a homecoming ceremony.
Brett Yancey walked his daughter, Sarakate, for 50 years as she was crowned as the homecoming queen.
The proud dad was determined to be by his daughter’s side during her glorious moment.
Brett’s wife, Carrie Yancey, said in an interview with PEOPLE: “Watching them on that field was a rollercoaster of emotions. Honestly, I could feel my heart beating out my chest.”
Because of his current condition, simple tasks like walking to the bathroom had become difficult challenges.
“He had struggled last week to even pick up his left leg which is why escorting her across the field was a major ordeal,” said Carrie, an elementary school principal.
When she had suggested that her husband use a golf cart for the walk, Brett’s reply was: “I don’t need a golf cart – I’m going to walk my baby to the opposite sideline.”
The proud father can be seen accompanying his daughter, who wore her homecoming crown while holding flowers.
“Thank the Lord, he did it,” said Carrie, who has been married to Brett for 25 years.
With her husband’s ongoing treatment and her work as a school principal, both of them have not been as present for their three children as they’d have wanted.
Even though they missed many sports events and school activities, the mom said: “Brett is so proud of what all of our children stand for, and the young ladies they have become.”
She also shared that the family’s collective wish for the father-of-three is to “leave a legacy of hope, courage, strength, and faith.”
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