BELLE GLADE, FL -- Big brother, Jose Gonzalez Jr., 9, had the bouquet in hand.
The tiara was in place and pretty in a pink princess dress, Gisselle Gonzalez was ready to take the steps that are easy for most.
From the doorstep at her Belle Glade home, Gisselle received the typical lift from Dad to help her get to her not-so-typical ride to school.
Gisselle and her brothers rode to Belle Glade Elementary School Thursday in a limo.
Gisselle doesn't just fit the part of princess because of her cool ride, her beautiful dress or because her mom has called her 'princess' since she was born.
"I always called her my little Princess Gisselle 'cause she's the only daughter I have," says Gisselle's mother, Rita Gonzalez.
At Belle Glade Elementary School, everybody called her princess Thursday because September 24, 2009 was coined 'Princess Gisselle's Day.'
"Because everybody loves Princess Gisselle and she's special to us," says 4th grader Demarkus Johnson.
They rolled out the carpet.
The pink cake and presents were in place.
The school gym became a castle complete with 'Raiders' -- the football players, cheerleaders, and musicians from Glades Central.
Program participants included students from Belle Glade Elementary, Glades Central Community High School, Seminole Ridge High School, Indian River Community College, and Florida Atlantic University.
More than 500 children celebrated Gisselle while the grown-ups sold and delivered spaghetti dinners throughout the community to help support her family.
"She's been fighting this for two years now," says Gonzalez.
Gonzalez had to stop working in August of 2007 when doctors found a tumor in Gisselle's brain.
Gisselle has undergone two surgeries and doctors say her condition will only get worse.
Jose Gonzalez, Gisselle's father, recently lost his job.
Medicaid insurance pays the medical bills, but they are mounting and that is why the school community decided to step in to help.
Gisselle is part of Belle Glade Elementary School's ESE special education program.
Her brother attends the school as well.
Princess Gisselle's Day -- the celebration and the limo -- was a surprise to Gisselle and her family.
Gisselle knew her Belle Glade team was rallying around her with a spaghetti dinner fundraiser, but Gonzalez says she never expected what her school had in store.
The smallest members of Belle Glade kicked off this campaign for their princess, but her story will soon reach many more.
The TODAY SHOW and correspondent Jenna Bush even showed up to cover the celebration.
It was a celebration that meant the world to one little girl and those who love her.
"A big miracle in my life and in my family's life too because she changed a lot of hearts," says Gonzalez.
"When I grow up I won't forget this day," says brother, young Jose.
If you would like to help support Gisselle and her family, donations can be sent to:
Belle Glade Elementary School, Attn: Krista Carter, 500 NW Ave L, Belle Glade, FL 33430.
