Hospital: If They Can't Go To Prom, We'll Bring Prom To Them

TAMPA, FL -- Their illnesses prevented them from attending their school proms. But more than 50 patients at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa were able to experience prom anyway, thanks to the hospital's staff and volunteers.

On Friday, May 4, St. Joseph's Children's Hospital hosted a Star Wars-themed prom for patients who were unable to attend their own prom due to hospitalization or (in the case of younger kids) may never be able to attend prom due to a chronic or life-threatening condition.

"Prom is an important milestone that everyone should have a chance to experience, including kids who have a life-limiting or life-threatening diagnosis," said Hadley Trull, supervisor of St. Joseph's Children's Hospital's Child Life team.

The special event was an all-day affair that included selecting gowns and suits from a dress shop set up in the hospital, professional hair and wig styling, and pampering by makeup artists. Like all proms, the evening included refreshments, keepsake photos, music and dancing.

"We host this annual event to not only create a very special experience for our patients and their families, but also to provide a sense of normalcy during an often stressful and scary chapter in their lives."

Because the prom fell on the Star Wars "May the Fourth Be With You" national celebration, attendees also received their own light saber and experienced a surprise invasion from members of the Florida Garrison of the 501st Legion dressed as Star Wars characters.

Images via St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

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