Teens Celebrate With a Star-Studded Prom Night at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

Teens Celebrate With a Star-Studded Prom Night at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

Pediatric patients and their guests dance the night away at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital specially designed prom event. Credit – Kristy Leibowitz

STONY BROOK, NY, JUNE 15, 2016
 
– First it was hair, then makeup, and finally the perfect outfit. And like any other prom, next it was time to take the photos! Nearly 50 teens showed up on Saturday evening to walk the red carpet into a star-studded Prom night at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

Every teen looks forward to the momentous occasion of prom night, but for kids who struggle with chronic or terminal illnesses, this event served as the opportunity to act like every other teen— to party with peers, dance the night away and experience this important milestone. It was also the chance to, for one night, forget about all of their medical challenges.

“The Children’s Hospital Prom afforded us, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and our colleagues in Stony Brook Medicine, the opportunity to give back to the kids who needed us at some of the worst times in their life,” said Ellen Miller, Associate Director of Operations, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “It’s important for us to be able to invite them back to the hospital campus for a joyful celebratory event, ensure that they feel special, and let them loose with others who can relate to some of their most challenging life experiences.”

Professional hair and makeup services were provided to prom-goers by New York Institute of Beauty and WAVES Salon. Credit – Kristy Leibowitz

Starting in the afternoon, some patients arrived to the hospital — or were escorted from their rooms– to begin their day of pampering. Professional hair, makeup and nail service, provided by New York Institute of Beauty and WAVES Salon, helped to make this event everything that a traditional prom night would be. Formal wear, which was donated by the Temple Beth Torah’s Chavurah Group, was provided to ensure that every teen shined in style.

Under a huge white tent donned with lights, provided by Camelot Party Rentals, the tables were set, photo booths were in place, the food—courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine Catering, was elegantly displayed. The DJ, Glen Santoro with GNA Entertainment, had the kids up and dancing as soon as they walked in.  
 

“The smiles that we witnessed on Saturday night were worth a thousand words and more.  Many of our special guests came with old friends, but all left with new ones,” said Miller.  

Credit – Kristy Leibowitz

Stony Brook Children’s would like to give a big thank you to all of the donors and volunteers who helped make the evening very special for these kids, including: Long Island Ducks, Nettie’s Bakery, Photography by LillyAnn Portrait Studios, Stony Brook Medicine Department of Facilities, the Stony Brook Stitchers, Stony Brook University Departments of Athletics, Conferences and Special Events, Parking Services, Police/Public Safety, School of Nursing, and Staller Center for the Arts, Taylor Rentals, and Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady.  

The hospital plans on making the Prom an annual event.

For more photos, please contact the Media Relations department or click here: http://bit.ly/1sCAAeA