and then she handed me her crown. it was a moment that made my heart feel so much happier when it felt so heavy. >> reporter: a poignant show of solidarity for brittany whose mom a.j. died after a battle with cancer just hours before the daughter needed to be at that game no matter hy was your mom so determined that you have a really great home coming? >> she felt no matter what i had to go because she is proud and wanted me to do it. >> reporter: aj was a beloved secretary at forest county agricultural high school in brooklyn, mississippi. >> miss a.j. was wonderful. she was sweet. she was kind of like my mom. >> reporter: so when miss a.j. got sick the community rallied around the family. tyra posted on facebook asking the community to help brittany buy a dress. >> it was immediate. i'll get you a dress. i'll contribute to her