Former Rutgers DT Eric LeGrand Takes HS Senior with Cerebral Palsy to Prom

"It's a Cinderella story," described stylist Heidi Martinez, according to NJ.com's Fausto Giovanny Pinto.

The princess? Gianna Brunini, an 18-year-old Hanover Park High School student preparing to attend the prom. 

Alongside her for the special event was Eric LeGrand, who, like Brunini (diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2), has overcome his disability with inspiring positivity since an on-field football collision resulted in a spinal cord injury.

The former Rutgers defensive tackle delivered an on-stage prom proposal following a motivational speech at the senior girl's school a month ago, after Brunini's aunt spoke with LeGrand's agent.

But the connection between LeGrand and his companion, who happily accepted his invitation, goes far beyond their shared attitude in the face of adversity (or their proclivity for attractive evening appearances, seen here). 

The pair became close during mutual weekly visits to the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation—a history that Brunini unfortunately has since forgotten due to memory loss.

It didn't stop either of them from enjoying the present, however.

"We wanted her to feel like a princess," said Brunini's mother, Maryann. "I think she does."

[YouTube, h/t NJ.com]