Dad with ALS dances at daughter's wedding 16 years later

Ellie Valentine never thought she'd get to dance with her dad at her wedding. When she was just seven years old, her father Seth received an ALS diagnosis with a life expectancy of only two to five years.

But 16 years later, Seth defied every prediction. He not only survived to see his daughter's wedding day but also participated in one of its most sacred moments.

The wedding ceremony itself was a family effort. Ellie's mom walked her to the end of the aisle on level ground, where groomsmen had carried Seth. Ellie placed her bouquet in her dad's hands, kissed his forehead, and pushed him down the aisle in his self-designed "wheel-bed."

The father-daughter dance became the day's most emotional highlight. Set to the Jonas Brothers' "Little Bird," Ellie pushed her dad onto the dance floor in his custom wheel-bed while her mom Amy and husband Brenton joined them. The song choice was deeply personal, reflecting Seth's prayers over infant Ellie's crib and his hopes for her future.

Seth was an Ironman athlete and father of four when ALS struck. Rather than retreating, the family embraced adventure. They moved to Hawaii, backpacked across Europe, started a nonprofit car show, and remodeled three houses together.

Five years ago, Seth lost the ability to sit without choking and became dependent on a CPAP machine. He now communicates using an eye-gaze computer that tracks his retina movements, giving him complete agency to speak, text, and access the internet.

That same technology helped him design his wheel-bed with family friend Fred Conlon of Sugarpost Metal. The device, now made of carbon fiber, folds in half for easy loading and has removable wheels. It allows Seth to attend his children's sports events, school functions, and church services.

Why This Inspires

The Valentine family has turned their diagnosis into a mission. Through their nonprofit ALSCrowd, they help other families affected by the disease navigate their own journeys.

Their story resonated deeply with viewers online. One commenter whose husband has lived with ALS for 18 years wrote that the video made her heart joyful. Another daughter who lost her father before her wedding reminded everyone that his presence was the most beautiful gift possible.

Seth's triumph isn't just surviving longer than expected—it's living fully despite every limitation.