Before officially asking Jon to the dance, Maddi made sure to get his father’s approval first.

“It was a pretty breathtaking moment for me,” Mike Larson shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Mike Larson had three key reasons for sharing the prom photo on social media.

• First, he wanted “to show support for special kids like Jon.”
• Second, he aimed “to show support for groups that promote these friendships.”
• And finally, he hoped “to remind us all, in a time when we hear about all the terrible things going on, that there are wonderful kids like Maddi working to make other’s lives better.”

Originally posted in 2013, the heartwarming prom photo quickly went viral. Over the years, Mike continued to update people on what happened to Jon and Maddi after that special night.

By 2019, the post had reached over a million shares, spreading across the globe. Mike marked the milestone by sharing an update: “Many have asked how Jon is doing. He is well and happy, still living at home.”

He also shared that Maddi had since gotten married and felt “embarrassed” by all the attention, as she never considered her actions anything out of the ordinary. “Thanks to all who have wished them well,” Mike wrote in his post.

Jon’s father, upon learning of his son’s autism diagnosis more than 16 years ago, had imagined many different challenges ahead. One of them was the thought that his son might never get to experience a traditional prom night.

But Maddi changed that. She not only made it possible for Jon to attend but ensured he had an unforgettable evening.

Reflecting on the impact of that moment, Mike Larson shared, “It’s something I never thought would happen for our family, and not only did it happen, but it’s happened in such a beautiful way. And to have it go on and bless the lives of other people is beyond anything I ever could have hoped for. It will be one of the nicest memories of our lives.”

I truly appreciate that there are still kind and compassionate people in the world—it’s a reminder that there’s always hope. If this story touched you, please honor the father’s request by sharing it with your loved ones!

This young woman showed such thoughtfulness by asking his parents for permission first. I hope they captured plenty of photos to cherish this beautiful moment!