To her, they’re all Prince Charming

Snow White and a Harley-Davidson have one thing in common: 6-year-old MaryElizabeth Smith’s adoration.

The little girl with mitochondrial myopathy, a disease that causes muscle weakness and wasting, met Snow White when she was 4 years old.

For her 6th birthday, she wanted a Harley-Davidson.

It took some persuasion, but MaryElizabeth finally agreed with her mom that a ride on a Harley was a good compromise for now.

On Friday, five Spokane-area Harley riders couldn’t have been happier to oblige.

“You gave away a lot of smiles today,” said Dave Lindquist, one of the motorcyclists. “Here’s an extra one to take home,” he said transferring the imaginary item from his hand to hers.

The Wishing Star Foundation, a volunteer organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening diseases, is responsible for pairing up the Deer Park girl and the men dressed from head to toe in motorcycle leathers. A group of Harley-Davidson riders helped raise money two years ago when MaryElizabeth wanted to go to Disneyland to meet Snow White.

“Her room is decorated with pictures of her with Snow White and her on Harleys,” said MaryElizabeth’s mother, Cyndi Smith, about her daughter’s love of the fairy princess and something a little edgier.

Paula Norgaarden, Wishing Star’s executive director, got the call about MaryElizabeth’s birthday wish on Wednesday. Norgaarden immediately called Cal Walker, Spokane Valley’s police chief, because he’d been one of the motorcycle riders involved in raising funds for the girl two years earlier.

Walker was able to make a couple of calls, and without hesitation four men who attend Mount Spokane Church with him said they’d be happy to take MaryElizabeth out for a ride.

Decked out in a leather vest, a Harley-Davidson do-rag and black velvet pants decorated with pink bows, MaryElizabeth cruised around Spokane on Friday in a motorcycle sidecar flanked by four other Harley-Davidson riders.

Her constant smile showed her elation and melted the hearts of the five men mounted on the metal monstrosities.

The group cruised through downtown and down by the Spokane River. At the halfway point, the motorcyclists had a surprise, a piece of decadent chocolate cake topped with six candles, a serving of Gorgonzola french fries and a round of “Happy Birthday.”

After the treat at Downriver Grill, it was back to Wishing Star. MaryElizabeth made the most of it by pretending to rev up a motorcycle, throwing up her arms like she was on a rollercoaster ride and giggling when the motorcyclists beeped their horns.

Asked what she liked best about the ride, MaryElizabeth said: “Going fast.” Wade Pratt, another rider, agreed that was his favorite part, too.

During a private moment with her mom, MaryElizabeth said, “This is the best birthday ever.”