It was an evening of ball gowns and catering from the Four Seasons Resort Orlando for some patients of Nemours Children’s Hospital. The teens, who may have been in the hospital during their school prom, had a second chance to enjoy the special event thanks to "A Night of PROMise."
"These are kids who truly deserve to have a blast," said Samantha Garrett, senior Child Life specialist at Nemours Children’s Hospital. "It is really difficult for a teen to miss a milestone event due to sickness. The Nemours team planned this evening in hopes that we could give back one of those special occasions."
The afternoon began for many of the selected patients in the "Walk of Fame" salon, where volunteer stylists provided hair and makeup services. Then patients walked a red carpet surrounded by ‘paparazzi.’ Hollywood style décor for the prom was donated by Event Source Solutions.;
15-year-old Nathan Hood has an immune deficiency and has been hospitalized repeatedly, sometimes for weeks at a time. This past April, he was back in the hospital the same night as a big dance in his community. "He ended up missing everything and he was heartbroken," said his mother, Mendy Hood.
For the ‘Night of PROMise,’ Nathan started preparing several days before the event. "He got his hair cut so he can look extra handsome," said his mother. "He is so excited!"
Many organizations donated services to make the night a success, including the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
"Four Seasons Resort Orlando is thrilled for the opportunity to give back to the children of Nemours and support this incredible Night of PROMise," said Dana Berry, spokeswoman for the Resort. "Our team planned a creative menu, including fun kid-friendly foods and even special ‘mocktails.’ We were so excited to see their smiling faces!"
Other partners include:
- Aveda Institute Orlando
- Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation
- DJ Rey (Latin Touch Entertainment)
- Event Source Solutions
- Jersey Mike’s Subs
- The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
- Talia’s Legacy Childhood Cancer Foundation
- Trend Studios of Winter Park
- Two Happy Feet Photography
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