Chicago teen helped by 'fairy godmothers' heads to prom

CHICAGO (WLS) -- We have the happy ending to a real life "Cinderella" story, with a few surprises along the way.

Earlier this week, ABC 7 learned about Gage Park High School senior, Shaday Gooden Brown, who wasn't going to her prom until a fairy godmother stepped in.

ABC 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Will Jones was with the lucky teen as she got ready for her special night.

We have the happy ending to a real life "Cinderella" story with a few surprises along the way.

It's a moment when your reality is even better than your dreams. Shaday Gooden Brown got a transformation of a lifetime for prom. First up, hair with Ebony Roberts with NK Artistry in Tinley Park.

"It makes me feel all bubbly and happy. I am just really happy," said Shaday Gooden Brown.

Just last week, the Gage Park senior was selling snacks near her South Side home, desperate to earn enough money for prom. With time running out to reach her goal, she said a prayer - and that changed everything.

Quinniya Hearn saw Shaday on the side of the road and shared it on Facebook. One by one, the community shared their hearts, setting this teen up for a prom to remember.

"I am coming out of high school with a big bang. Everybody is going to remember this," said Gooden Brown.

We have the happy ending to a real life "Cinderella" story with a few surprises.

"I hope she looks in the mirror and says to herself, 'I was worth it.' I hope that what she gains from knowing that just from a little hard work, that she's worth this and more," said Ebony Roberts of NK Artistry.

Shaday is not used to being the center of attention. After years of being bullied because of her complexion and clothing at the expense of her self-esteem, she has preferred to fade away in the background.

"I used to always come to my momma, crying and stuff like, 'They did that. They did this,'" said Gooden Brown.

In a matter of a days a once shy girl is now starting to come out of her shell, all thanks to a prayer and a chance encounter on the side of the road. She says she now feels like Cinderella.

I feel like I woke up one day as a princess. At first, I was an ordinary girl but then I woke and I am like, this is me," said Gooden Brown.