Milledgeville woman with cerebral palsy goes viral ahead of special needs prom

Alysia Scott raises more than $56,000 after TikTok post asking for prom help

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 22-year-old woman with cerebral palsy is preparing for a prom she never thought possible.

After asking for help on TikTok to cover hair, dress and makeup, her video went viral, gaining millions of views and helping her raise more than $56,000 on GoFundMe.

Alysia Scott says she never expected the response.

“I just randomly did a video,” Scott said. “I wasn’t thinking nothing of it. I didn’t know it was gonna go viral the way it did.”

Now, with more money than she needs for prom, Scott says she plans to use the extra funds to invest in her future.

She wants to attend Georgia Military College and major in psychiatry.

“I just feel great that I’m able to inspire other people to keep going,” Scott said.

Donnie Cannie, organizer of a prom for those with special needs, says he started the event for his niece, who also has cerebral palsy.

He says the goal is to make sure people of all abilities have a chance to experience a special night like prom.

“Just look at them, they’re angels,” he said. “They’re thinking people are looking down on them, and I wanted to let them know, ‘No, y’all are special.'”

The prom is set for Saturday, March 28 at PrimeCare Home in Milledgeville. Cannie says he believes this year’s event will be the biggest yet.