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Father Struggling With Cancer Escorts Daughter In Homecoming Ceremony, Leaves Family In Tears
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Father Struggling With Cancer Escorts Daughter In Homecoming Ceremony, Leaves Family In Tears

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From picking out the right dress to seeing old familiar faces, many young women look forward to their school’s homecoming celebrations.

Still, the ceremony was extra special for 17-year-old Sara Kate, crowned this year’s homecoming queen at Southside High School, Alabama.

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    Image credits: Carrie Yancey

    Last month, the radiant teen had the honor of being escorted by her father, who has esophageal cancer, to receive her crown and flower bouquet on the school’s football field.

    The tenacious 47-year-old was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago. Since walking from his bed to the bathroom usually presents a challenge for him, Sara Kate’s family worried Brett wouldn’t be able to make the 50-yard (or 45-meter) walk across the field with his daughter.

    “He had struggled last week to even pick up his left leg, which is why escorting her across the field was a major ordeal,” Brett’s wife, Carrie Yancey, told People magazine.

    “I could feel my heart beating out of my chest,” Brett’s wife, Carrie, said of the special moment

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    Image credits: Carrie Yancey

    Image credits: Shelley Panzarella (not the actual photo)

     

    Fortunately, the night was memorable for all the right reasons.

    Carrie—who has been married to Brett for 25 years—watched from the bleachers as her daughter and her husband embraced, a tender moment that immediately brought tears to her eyes.

    “Honestly, I could feel my heart beating out my chest,” she shared. “He was holding my daughter pretty tight, I just kept praying, ‘You can make it, you can make it.'”

    Given Brett’s feeble condition, his wife feared that he wouldn’t be able to make the 50-yard walk across the field

    Father Struggling With Cancer Escorts Daughter In Homecoming Ceremony, Leaves Family In Tears

    Image credits: sarakateyancey

    Brett has been really feeble recently, which is why he needs to carry oxygen with him to walk.

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    She explained she had suggested that Brett use a golf cart for the homecoming ceremony but, determined to accompany Sara Kate arm-in-arm, her husband refused.

    “I don’t need a golf cart—I’m going to walk my baby to the opposite sideline,” he said.

    And so he did. “I think it was a moment that many will never forget,” Carrie, an elementary school principal, described.

    “Brett is so proud of what all our children stand for and the young ladies they’ve become”

    Image credits: sarakateyancey

    Due to the constant traveling that Brett needs to do for his medical treatment, the couple has missed out on numerous important events in the lives of their three daughters. “We missed a lot of our girls’ high school sports and activities, but they have kept the faith,” the wife said.

    The couple has expressed their gratitude towards their “community, friends, and family” for constantly supporting Brett and keeping him in their prayers.

    The family’s wish is for Brett’s legacy to be one of “hope, courage, strength, and faith”

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    Though the former high school football coach may not be able to be present at every activity, his feelings towards his daughters are crystal clear.

    “Brett is so proud of what all of our children stand for and the young ladies they have become,” Carrie expressed. 

    “He’s a true warrior. The news we received at yesterday’s doctor’s visit was not good, but we are staying strong,” she told NBC affiliate WVTM-TV.

    Her earnest wish, and that of her daughters, is that Brett’s legacy will be one of “hope, courage, strength and faith.”

    People applauded the father for his sacrifice and sent their best wishes to him

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    Image credits: www.facebook.com

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Marina is a journalist at Bored Panda. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she holds a Bachelor of Social Science. In her spare time, you can find her baking, reading, or watching a docuseries. Her main areas of interest are pop culture, literature, and education.

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Marina is a journalist at Bored Panda. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she holds a Bachelor of Social Science. In her spare time, you can find her baking, reading, or watching a docuseries. Her main areas of interest are pop culture, literature, and education.

    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    I'm a Visual Editor for Bored Panda. I’m also an analog collage artist. My love for images and experience in layering goes well with both creating collages by hand and working with digital images as an Editor. When I’m not using my kitchen area as an art studio I also do various experiments making my own cosmetics or brewing kombucha. When I’m not at home you would most definitely find me attending a concert or walking my dog.

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    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm a Visual Editor for Bored Panda. I’m also an analog collage artist. My love for images and experience in layering goes well with both creating collages by hand and working with digital images as an Editor. When I’m not using my kitchen area as an art studio I also do various experiments making my own cosmetics or brewing kombucha. When I’m not at home you would most definitely find me attending a concert or walking my dog.

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    Wilf
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd sell everything I've ever owned, every second of time, the ground beneath my feet if i could have seen my wife celebrate our daughter turning 18.

    Caro Caro
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG. Bloody onion ninjas. ❤️ (Edit: I'm a bit wobbly today LOL)

    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Much as the Vin Diesel memes annoy me sometimes, they message is always right: Nothing beats family. Nothing at all.

    Load More Comments
    Wilf
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd sell everything I've ever owned, every second of time, the ground beneath my feet if i could have seen my wife celebrate our daughter turning 18.

    Caro Caro
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG. Bloody onion ninjas. ❤️ (Edit: I'm a bit wobbly today LOL)

    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Much as the Vin Diesel memes annoy me sometimes, they message is always right: Nothing beats family. Nothing at all.

    Load More Comments
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