120 Bikers Showed Up At A Teen’s Door After She Refused To Go To Her Prom

Prom night is arguably one of the biggest nights in a teen girl's life.

For one teenage girl, Shannon Purcifer, it was a night she will never forget, thanks to the 120 Bikers who showed up at her door.

Hospital Gowns Instead Of Prom Dresses For Shannon

Shannon and Mom
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook

Shannon Purcifer should have been nervous and excited like other 16-year-old girls looking forward to their prom.

Instead of spending time shopping for a dress or getting her nails and hair done, Purcifer had to deal with bullies and hospitals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Purcifer Fought Illness And Bullies

ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon in hospital
ABC News
ABC News
ADVERTISEMENT

In and out of hospitals with various ailments like celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis understandably would have soured dreams of a prom.

ADVERTISEMENT

But it was dealing with constant bullying at school that curbed her enthusiasm.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bullying Made Things Worse

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Anti-bullying advocates
Christina Izzo/Roll Call/Getty Images
Christina Izzo/Roll Call/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

For years Shannon dealt with being picked on and harassed by fellow students and classmates.

ADVERTISEMENT

Free of sympathy from bullies, she endured mistreatment, which made her illnesses that much worse.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shannon Had To Wear Her Illnesses Like A Badge

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon in hospital
ABC News
ABC News
ADVERTISEMENT

Ulcerative Colitis is an incurable bowel disease. The symptoms do not improve and worsen with time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shannon and her family decided to accept that this would stay with her for the rest of her life.

ADVERTISEMENT

Fight For Survival In And Out Of The Hospital

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon at the salon
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

It would be easy for anyone facing Shannon's plight with her various illnesses and the harassment at school to shut down.

ADVERTISEMENT

That was not an option for her, thanks to the love and support of her family, friends, and boyfriend, who helped her stay positive.

ADVERTISEMENT

Going To Prom Was Part Of The Plan Initially

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon Purcifer
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

Skipping the prom was not always Shannon's plan. She and her mother spent months shopping for a dress.

ADVERTISEMENT

The final pick was a floor-length dress with lace detailing. The final bill was $600.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Change Of Heart?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon and friends at prom
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

Shannon became less social and, eventually, withdrawn from her family and friends due to her troubles.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just when her family was preparing to send her off to her prom, she came to them with a change of heart.

ADVERTISEMENT

Prom Excitement Turned Into Tears Overnight

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon and her Mom
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

While her family was waiting anxiously for her to model her dress on prom night, she presented a much different image to them.

ADVERTISEMENT

With fresh tears showering down her face, Shannon told her Mom she was not going to prom anymore.

ADVERTISEMENT

"...the bullying got worse and worse."

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Anti-bullying rally
Xinhua/Chen Cheng via Getty Images
Xinhua/Chen Cheng via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Shannon said, "I didn't really want to go and feel nervous for the entire night."

ADVERTISEMENT

She admitted she would not be able to handle being tormented on what potentially would be the best night of her life.

ADVERTISEMENT

Friends Thought Shannon Deserved A Prom

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon Purcifer
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

As any good friend would, Shannon's friend Kerri Louise Kimber was tired of seeing the sadness and pain in her eyes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kimber started a GoFundMe page to raise funds and throw a prom for Shannon.

ADVERTISEMENT

Go Fund Shannon

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon and prom guests
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

Kimber made sure invites went only to those who were close to Shannon. One hundred guests attended the makeshift prom.

ADVERTISEMENT

Within days of starting the GoFundMe page, it ballooned from the target goal of $195 to a grand total of $650.

ADVERTISEMENT

Special Delivery On Prom Night

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Bikers outside Shannon's house
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

Friends and family Shannon were also allowed to attend her unique prom, but it was the uninvited guests that caught her attention.

ADVERTISEMENT

After she had spent the day getting her hair and nails done, Shannon was met by 120 bikers waiting to escort her to the party.

ADVERTISEMENT

Celebrity Overnight

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
image-598
Public Domain
Public Domain
ADVERTISEMENT

After seeing her story, which went viral, the motorcycle crew wanted very much to escort her to her prom.

ADVERTISEMENT

Her mother proclaimed, "There's no better way to stand up to the bullies than to go out and live life to the fullest."

ADVERTISEMENT

Her Prom Was Better Than She Expected

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Shannon at her prom
Claire Carstens/Facebook
Claire Carstens/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

Shannon was overwhelmed by the gestures made by her friends and family, along with the bikers who randomly showed up to support and escort her.

ADVERTISEMENT

The prom was "better than I could ever have dreamed.", she declared.

ADVERTISEMENT

You Are Not Alone

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Anti-bullying protest
ADVERTISEMENT

High school is when teens learn to become adults and prepare for college.

ADVERTISEMENT

Unfortunately for Shannon and many others, bullying dominated their time in school. Once her story came out and went viral, others began to surface.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bullying Was Like An Unstoppable Force

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
School bus
Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

No parent wants to see their child suffering. Parents like Shannon's are consumed with a feeling of helplessness.

ADVERTISEMENT

Her mother went to the school for help, but according to her, "...I tried so hard to make it stop, but the school didn't help us."

ADVERTISEMENT

Feeling Powerless

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Parents at bullying meeting
Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images
Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

One of the first places a parent expects to get help for their child's issues at school is the institution itself.

ADVERTISEMENT

Often parents feel powerless and express similar feelings to Shannon's Mom, who said, "There wasn't anything I could do but listen to her."

ADVERTISEMENT

Others Stand With Shannon's Fight Against Bullying

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Anti-bullying rally
Charley Gallay/WireImage/Getty Images
Charley Gallay/WireImage/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Typically, high school is when the biggest issue for students is getting to classes or lunchtime.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sadly, bullying in-person and online has increased substaintially, making itself part of the experience too.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody Was A Normal Teenage Boy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Principal and students
Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Jody tried to live the same way the other kids in his Texas high school did.

ADVERTISEMENT

He loved collecting comic books, playing video games, and cheering on his favorite soccer team.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody Had A Major Crush

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
students going to class
Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

At seventeen, Jody had a crush on a girl like many of the boys his age in school.

ADVERTISEMENT

From the fourth grade, he was enamored with just the mere sight of Leila, the object of his desire.

ADVERTISEMENT

You Miss 100% Of The Shots You Do Not Take

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Students being tested
MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images
MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Leila and Jody had never met or talked before high school. Jody was typically confident but instantly would clam up when Leila was around.

ADVERTISEMENT

One day he knew he would have to take a chance and talk to her.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thinking Of A Master Plan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Prom proposal
Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

With the prom about a month away, Jody's moment of truth had arrived.

ADVERTISEMENT

He thought now was a perfect time but was afraid of rejection. Jody needed to come up with a plan.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hi, my name is...

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Youth group
Jeff Hutchens/Getty Images
Jeff Hutchens/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

What Jody came up with for a plan seemed simple at first glance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite never talking to her before, he intended to do whatever he could to go out of his way and be nice to Leila.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody's Moment Of Truth

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Students in the hall
mark peterson/Corbis via Getty Images
mark peterson/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

After working up the nerve to finally approach Leila, Jody decided to wait for her classes to be over and then make his move.

ADVERTISEMENT

He followed her in the hallway to her locker and approached with a "hi" as his introduction to her.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody Always Met Leila Bearing Gifts

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Snacks
SSPL/Getty Images
SSPL/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Instead of a box of chocolates, a stuffed animal, or a bouquet of roses, Jody offered Leila an apple and a chocolate bar.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody was unsure how his gesture would be received and was pleasantly surprised by her response.

ADVERTISEMENT

Instant Connection

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Students studying together
HU Sheridan Libraries/Gado/Getty Images
HU Sheridan Libraries/Gado/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Leila greeted Jodi's good deed with a big smile and a thank you.

ADVERTISEMENT

She confessed to him how hungry she was and expressed her appreciation that he took the time and effort to think of her.

ADVERTISEMENT

Roses Are Red

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Display of roses
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

This was beyond great news for Jody. In his mind, this was the beginning of his fantasy of one day being with Leila.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since his gifts were so positively received, Jody began bringing treats for Leila daily.

ADVERTISEMENT

Let's Go To The Movies

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Students in the theater
Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Seemingly out of nowhere, a friendship between Jody and Leila blossomed.

ADVERTISEMENT

The friendship progressed quickly from casual conversations passing each other in the halls to going to the movies together after school.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just A Friend?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Students
ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP via Getty Images
ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Connecting with someone he has liked from childhood to spending time outside of classes was more than Jody imagined.

ADVERTISEMENT

Still, he sensed Leila was not interested in him beyond being friends.

ADVERTISEMENT

So You're Saying There's A Chance

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
High school students talking
Jeff Hutchens/Getty Images
Jeff Hutchens/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If there was one thing Jody could trust, it was how comfortable he was saying almost anything to Leila.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody waited for her at lunch break and caught her before she entered the cafeteria.

ADVERTISEMENT

It Was Now Or Never For Jody

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Students eating lunch
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Jody thought he would try and contain his nerves and excitement by easing into the big question with some witty chit-chat.

ADVERTISEMENT

Then he did it. Jody asked Leila to the upcoming prom, but her reaction was more of a nightmare than a dream.

ADVERTISEMENT

With Who? You? Lol

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
High school students
Fairfax Media via Getty Images via Getty Images
Fairfax Media via Getty Images via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Leila had a look of utter disgust at the question being asked by Jody.

ADVERTISEMENT

She asked sarcastically if he was serious about it and mocked him openly so the entire cafeteria could hear the conversation.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Wait, You're Serious, Aren't You?"

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
High school girls
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Leila's reply reeked with mockery and sparked a raucous round of laughs from everyone in the cafeteria.

ADVERTISEMENT

Boldy, she asked him, "Have you met you? Am I not doing you enough favors by being your friend?"

ADVERTISEMENT

Joy And Pain, Sunshine and Rain

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
high school cafeteria
Marvin Joseph/The The Washington Post via Getty Images
Marvin Joseph/The The Washington Post via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Within seconds, Jody's joy turned to agony and humiliation. As she bombarded him with insults, she enlisted the help of her friends.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody hoped that not going to the prom would stop the harassment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Now, Jody Was Being Laughed At, Not With

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
High school hallway
Pexels
Pexels
ADVERTISEMENT

Whatever friends Jody had left that he could trust also turned on him eventually.

ADVERTISEMENT

They started ignoring him as if he no longer existed to avoid being chastised by others in the school.

ADVERTISEMENT

For Jody, One Call Changed It All

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Boy playing video games
BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images
BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Jody's misfortune would change after planning to play video games while prom was going on.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody received a call from a girl asking for his address, and he gave it up reluctantly to her.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody Was Not Falling For More Pranks

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Gamer
BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images
BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Uncertain of what nonsense his schoolmates had in store for him next, Jody resumed playing video games.

ADVERTISEMENT

Disturbed after an hour of playing by car horns blasting, he went to see what the commotion was about.

ADVERTISEMENT

"...We Appreciate You!"

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Prom Limo
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Mario Tama/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Outside his house were a stretch limousine and the entire school cheerleading team.

ADVERTISEMENT

They asked Jody to be all of their prom dates. Sensing his skepticism, the head cheerleader cleared the air.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be ALL Of Our Dates

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Prom dresses
mark peterson/Corbis via Getty Images
mark peterson/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

In front of everyone, she said, "We are here to show you that we appreciate you."

ADVERTISEMENT

She pleaded with him to accept, and he did. Jody got dressed and ready to go in half an hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jody And Shannon Proved Good People Still Exist

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
high school cheerleaders
Jerritt Clark/WireImage/Getty Images
Jerritt Clark/WireImage/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

In a suit that properly fit, Jody joined the cheerleaders in the limo and went to the prom.

ADVERTISEMENT

He knew although the prom proposal could not erase the pain of the past, Jody's faith that there were still good people around was restored.