'Duck Dynasty' star visits fan with ALS near Rogers

ROGERS -- A celebrity paid a special visit to Benton County on Tuesday to lift the spirits of one of his fans who suffers from ALS.

Willie Robertson, a star of the reality television series "Duck Dynasty," surprised Steve Swope at his home east of Rogers. Robertson presented Swope with one of his duck calls and signature American flag bandanas.

"Dang, he looks good," Robertson said after the bandana had been tied around Swope's forehead.

The visit was arranged with the help of the ALS Association's Arkansas chapter and Mike Neill, a Rogers resident and friend of Robertson's.

Jennifer Necessary, the association's executive director, and several board members were on hand for the visit. The event was part of the association's new "Dream to Reality" program, an initiative intended to make a special wish come true for those with ALS.

In February, Necessary sent an email to people she knew at Wal-Mart's home office with details about Swope and his desire to meet Robertson. The email happened to reach Neill, who said he's known Robertson for about six years.

Neill forwarded the email to Robertson with a plea for him to read the request.

"And within 30 minutes, he replied back and said, 'Let's make it happen,'" Neill said.

ALS, known widely as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a degenerative muscle disease. There's no known cure.

Swope, 44, was diagnosed with ALS in 2008, Necessary said. The disease has progressed to the point it has robbed Swope of all motor skills and his ability to speak. The typical life expectancy of an ALS patient is between two and five years from the time of diagnosis, Necessary said.

Robertson, 42, stayed for about an hour at Swope's home after flying into Rogers. The Louisiana resident was on his way to another appearance in Fort Scott, Kan.

Robertson said he and Swope share similar values and a strong faith in God. The two men also enjoy hunting. During Robertson's visit, Swope demonstrated how he uses a crossbow specially rigged so he can fire it with his mouth. About 30 people -- association representatives, friends and family members -- gathered around for the demonstration.

"No pressure. Nobody's watching," Robertson said.

Robertson commented on the beauty of Swope's home and wooded property, which Swope shares with his wife, Jackie, and 4-year-old daughter, Grace. Robertson said he wished his schedule allowed him to make more visits like the kind he made Tuesday.

"As a believer in God, this is one of my favorite parts of what's come out of this show," Robertson said.

He also commented on ALS and what a devastating disease it is.

"I would just love it if we could figure (ALS) out," Robertson said.

Robertson led a prayer while at Swope's side, during which he thanked God for "all these wonderful people who are helping other people cope with difficult situations."

"Duck Dynasty," which began airing in 2012, is about the Robertson family and its Duck Commander business, known for its products for duck hunters.

Robertson's visit originally had been planned for a couple of weeks ago but was derailed because Robertson was sick, Necessary said. From then on, the association was put on alert Robertson could come at any time on short notice.

That notice came about noon Monday, Necessary said. Neither the association nor the Swopes had to pay anything for it.

"This visit is from his heart," Necessary said.

Jackie Swope was pleased to see Robertson, too.

"It was just awesome. I can't believe he would come out all this way to see us," Jackie Swope said.

Steve Swope is a U.S. Army veteran. He and Jackie have been married for 15 years.

Kenneth Swope, Steve Swope's father, said "it's been hell" watching his son fall victim to ALS.

"It's a terrible disease. He was a big old stout, husky guy," Kenneth Swope said.

But Steve Swope still enjoys getting outside with his crossbow. He killed a deer with one last year, Kenneth Swope said.

"He's not a quitter. He keeps on and will until he's gone," Kenneth Swope said.

NW News on 04/08/2015