A few weeks ago NY1 reported on a cheer squad from Queens raising money in hopes of making it to nationals. As NY1's Shannan Ferry explains their dream is about to come true, thanks to the generosity of the community.
Some cheerleaders are fired up to perform on the national stage.
"I have butterflies in my stomach but I'm absolutely excited," said cheerleader Jade Dowden.
The cheerleaders are from the Young Women's Leadership School in Jamaica, Queens.
The last time they were featured on NY1, they did not know if they'd be able to afford to compete at the UCA Cheerleading Championship at Disney world in Orlando, Florida.
"We were kinda terrified that we wouldn't be able to go, because we knew it was going to be a lot of money," said Lauryn Steverson.
So, they started an online fundraiser in the hopes of collecting $10,000 in donations to cover their competition expenses.
A few days after their story aired, they exceeded their goal and now have $17,000 raised.
"It felt like the true Cinderella story, getting the glass slipper, and we're going to nationals, and it's gonna be fun," said cheerleader Ayanna Malone.
The ladies said that now it's all about bringing home the national title, and making their Queens community proud.
"Just gonna push more, do the stunts, hit everything and everything should be good," said Steverson.
"I'm going to Disney World for the first time, I've never been, so to go and to be able to cheer at the same time it's two big dreams coming true," said cheerleader Kayla Corbin.
Coach Nicholas O'Stanton said they've also added extra practices to the schedule.
The community didn't only give us a boost financially, but also it boosted our moral, we say you don't practice until you get it right, you practice until you can't get it wrong," he said.
The competition will kick off on February 11.