On June 9th, 2016, one of our very own Ginarte attorneys, Mr. Bruno Brunini, was part of orchestrating a magical night for his daughter, Gianna Brunini.

Gianna was one of three triplets born three months premature, weighing in at one pound and six ounces. After spending three months in the St. Barnabas Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), she was sent home with, unfortunately, only one of her siblings. At the age of two, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. This has affected her mostly in a physical manner rather than cognitively. More specifically, from the waist down and predominantly her left leg. Over the years, Gianna has been given the medical attention she needs, but has never been treated as if she has a disability at all. She attends regular classes, has earned high honor roll, and will be attending Morris County Community College in the fall. They offer a Theater Arts program, and Gianna dreams of becoming an actress.

Mr. Bruno Brunini, Esq. and Gianna Brunini

In 2008, she began physical therapy at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation for power wheelchairs. During her time there, she met Eric LeGrand. Eric is a former American football defensive tackle who played college football at Rutgers University, and became paralyzed from the neck down while making a tackle in 2010. Gianna and Eric became acquainted after he gave a speech at her middle school, and she learned that he attended Kessler as well. They began contacting each other, and formed a friendship when their physical therapy schedules would coincide. Unfortunately, Gianna lost her memory two years ago and forgot the extent of her friendship with Eric. However, they continued to spend time together, and became well acquainted once again. It is clear that Gianna has been faced with obstacles time and time again, yet continues to persevere and push forth. She is a strong willed young lady, and success is the only option she acknowledges.

Recently, one of Gianna’s Aunts wrote to Good Morning America regarding a segment she saw about a 14-year-old Wisconsin teen, also with cerebral palsy, who attended prom with a girl he met at an airport. A few weeks later, Eric’s agent got in touch with Gianna’s parents about attending the prom with her. Eric was giving a speech at Gianna’s school, Hanover Park Regional High School, and surprised Gianna after the Q & A portion. Gianna was the very last question; he invited her to join him on the stage, and invited her to be his date for her prom. She accepted by exclaiming, “Just to let you know, I would have said yes if you asked me to coffee, and I don’t even like coffee!”

Gianna Brunini and Eric LeGrand

The two of them enjoyed a wonderful night together. Just like regular teenagers, Gianna wore a beautiful sparkly dress, had her hair and makeup done, and was greeted by Eric at her door. Best said by her aunt, Gianna proves that a disability does not prevent you from having your special night, and enjoying life just like everybody else. Gianna and Eric are both inspirations to us all.