Annual Event Hosts Prom For Teenagers With Terminal Illnesses
Prom. You already know that it’s thought to be the most fussed and fretted over event in any teenagers life…
You’ll probably think of yours as a memorable, magical evening.
But sadly, not all teenagers will be able to attend their prom. Some have far more pressing troubles than getting the perfect dress and hairdo.
Dream Prom Night is an initiative that aims to provide a truly special prom night to young people living with terminal illnesses.
Established fourteen years ago Dream Prom Night has touched the lives of countless teenagers and given them the prom they deserve. The youngsters are given a night to forget about treatments, medication, and therapy. They need only focus on one thing; being young and enjoying their prom.
Louisa Diaz, team coordinator of Candlelighters Cancer Foundation has been a part of the event since day one. At the first Dream Prom Night Diaz was crowned Prom Queen and to this day continues to dress up and enjoy the evening with the kids attending.
Diaz first attended the event after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was just 13. Now 29, Diaz is ten years cancer free.
(Image Credit: 9KGUN)
Maria Louisa Diaz, her mother has attended the evening with her daughter every year and helps to organize the event. Maria reported how the experience hasn’t always been easy and that Louisa truly had to fight to keep the tradition continuing. She said:
“There was times she kept telling me she wanted to give up, but she stayed strong and kept going,”
Forget taking your date to the prom, the best partner is definitely your Mum! She’ll stick by you throughout all your toughest times.
Dream Prom Night provides catering, prizes, dancing, and photos. All the Prom essentials for those kids most deserving of an evening to cherish.
(Image Credit: Twitter, @vvernachio)
We’re in complete awe of Louisa Diaz, she’s a real hero. Even when the dance was difficult to arrange she soldiered on and got it done. She remembers her first prom;
“When I attended, I did the whole evening of dancing, eating, and then when it came down to the royal court I was announced queen, and that was very exciting”
Clearly, the evening had a profound effect on Louisa and will stay with her always. That she wants to pass on these special memories to younger generations is truly inspiring.
It’s so touching to think of all the wonderful volunteers working tirelessly to make this event the special night that it is.
Diaz commented on how her cancer diagnoses changed her outlook on life, saying, ‘“I look at life a whole different way, life is precious, and you have to take every moment for it.”
Life certainly is precious and we’re so glad Diaz persevered with Dream Prom Night. She is providing a beautiful experience for those young people most deserving of these nights. They all look so beautiful and happy in these photos documenting the night.
Diaz continues to change the world for the better with Candleighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona.
This is such an amazing project, do you know of something similar we should be talking about? Let us know! AAx
The post Annual Event Hosts Prom For Teenagers With Terminal Illnesses appeared first on Go Social.
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