Courtesy: On Location Photography
AKRON -- It was a day to remember, and for reasons that have nothing to do with the Super Bowl.
Trinity Petit, 9, relaxed in a reclining chair, decked out in feather boas and zebra-striped satin.
The hint of a smile on her face, she watched two DJs in costume perform one of her favorite songs.
Behind her, brightly colored gift bags and hand written cards were placed next to a poster of Justin Bieber, her favorite singer.
Every friend and family member gathered around. This day was Trinity's wish.
Three weeks ago yesterday, Trinity was sledding in the snow with her friends.
Trinity is a sweet natured, straight-A student in the 3rd grade at Ervine Intermediate School, where she was also a cheerleader.
When she came inside from playing in the snow on January 14, her mother handed her an art project, and Trinity dropped it.
Not only was she unable to hold anything, her mother noticed Trinity was limping on one of her legs.
They rushed her to Akron Children's Hospital, where doctors immediately began tests and brain scans.
Three hours later, a diagnosis: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.
An aggressive, inoperable brain tumor.
The survival rate for children with DIPG is 30 percent, and Trinity's case is extremely rare.
Just three weeks later, Trinity is paralyzed and losing her eye sight.
Pediatric cancer doctors told the family that at best, radiation would prolong Trinity's life for weeks, but no more than a few months.
So the family opted for hospice, and her parents promised to give Trinity everything she wanted for as long as they can.
Trinity turned nine on December 23, but usually has a birthday party in January (so her presents aren't wrapped in Christmas paper).
When the diagnosis came up, the party was postponed.
But Akron Children's Hospital contacted the Canton-based group, Wishes Can Happen, and told them about Trinity.
For 30 years, Wishes Can Happen has made dreams come true for local children with life threatening illnesses.
Many of the all-volunteer organization are parents whose own children have faced similar health issues.
So with just five days' notice, the volunteers pulled together a special birthday party on Super Bowl Sunday.
DJs sang her favorite songs, and a caterer made her favorite meal. Volunteers also included a ventriloquist, a balloon maker and a fire eater.
Trinity even got to pet a miniature horse (her favorite animal).
"They've been fantastic. Very sweet people. They've met Trinity and been so great. She had a fantastic birthday," said Tiffany.
Of course, there were lots of hugs and pictures for everyone.
Justin Bieber overnighted her a special gift basket from Los Angeles.
Trinity says she'd love to receive a Happy Birthday video message from Justin! WKYC sent Justin Bieber a Tweet about her request, and you can too.
Tweet: @justinbieber, Send a Happy Birthday video to Trinity.
The Petits are incredibly thankful. Right now, they're making each moment count.
A fund has been set up to help the Petits. Donations can be made in Trinity's name at Huntington Bank.
**photo of Trinity courtesy of On Location Photography
WKYC-TV