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Making a boy's wish come true
POPLAR BLUFF - An 11-year-old boy suffering from an undiagnosed illness saw his biggest wish come true Saturday, thanks to the Poplar Bluff Masonic Youth and the Make A Wish Foundation.
Markell McDaniels of Naylor has spent much of the past four years in and out of the hospital with a lung disease doctors have yet to pinpoint. His current medication has weakened his bones and caused spinal fractures.
"He has an undiagnosed lung disease he has been battling for four years now," said William's mom, Angela Roper.
Concerned with his future mobility, McDaniels is afraid he will not make it to his own prom so he and his mom reached out to the Make A Wish Foundation.
"He went through a list of wishes with the Make a Wish Foundation and kept changing his mind. He finally came home from school one day and said 'I want to have a prom for my sixth grade class.' In two weeks, he had his whole prom planned out," Roper said.
The Masonic Youth wanted to help McDaniels' dream of attending prom come true and named him prom king at the third annual Father Daughter Ball held Saturday evening at the Black River Colieseum.
"From what I understand his condition will render him not able to attend his prom," said event committee member Terry Yarbrough. "His Make a Wish was to attend prom, well, we have everything in place tonight."
McDaniels was not aware of what was in store for him as he pulled up in a stretch limo at the beginning of the event.
"I have no idea what's going on," he said.
However, later in the evening after "cutting a rug" with several belles of the ball and being crowned king, he said the event exceeded his "wildest dreams."
The Masonic Youth Father Daughter Ball is a chance for fathers and daughters to bond and raise money for the Masonic Youth and other charities, according to organizers.
"A lot of men in this area are into hunting and fishing, this is one night they can set aside and spoil their daughters rotten," Yarbrough said.
Michael Lyscas was escorting his daughter Layha. He says the event was a great time to spend time with her.
"We never really get to do anything 'out' together. I have three kids and we never have time for just me and her," he said.
A happy Layha echoed her dad's feelings.
"I have always wanted to come, but we never have. We finally get to now," she said.
Lawrence Mann, who was escorting his daughter Alyssa, says he hopes his attending will inspire other fathers to spend quality time with their daughters.
"I am trying to encourage other young guys to get out with their kids and be better fathers," he said.
The Masonic Youth is comprised of two groups -- the divine chapter of Demolay, a group for young men, and the Poplar Bluff International Order of Rainbow for girls.
"Both groups focus on building leadership in our youth and teach them about charity. Fifty percent of the proceeds tonight will go to charity," Yarbrough said.