Tyanna Tran is excited to attend homecoming with Derek Slayline at Tampa's Wharton High School after getting a special "proposal" Tuesday.
"He's a good friend to me," Tran said.
It's extra special for Tyanna because this will be her first high school dance, and it's part of a year of big milestones for the high school senior.
"She's making history this year, and I wanted to be a part of that, and make it as magical and fun as possible so she could have really good memories of her last year here," said Slayline.
Tyanna's has something called Prader-Willi Syndrome which leaves her muscles weak, and impairs brain function. Many people with the condition don't live long because compulsive eating drives them to morbid obesity and deadly complications. But Tyanna's thriving and will soon be one of the only students with PWS to ever graduate high school without going through special education.
"I just think Tyanna is phenomenal because she pushes herself. She doesn't give up. She's not a quitter," said Julie Dang, Tyanna's mom.
Dang was blown away that Derek wanted to honor her daughter's drive, and determination by asking her to the dance. They both hope his compassion rubs off on others.
"She's another human being, and a really good one at that. I appreciate that, and just because she's different doesn't mean I shouldn't treat her like a human being," Slayline said.
Tyanna's already picked out a red sparkly dress for the big night. Her mom paid for their dance tickets as a "thank you" to Derek for knowing a little kindness can go a long way.
"For someone like him to be like that, it just gives you hope that our country's going to be better in the future with kids like him," said Dang.
