Teenage patients go red carpet under ‘unforgettable’ hospital prom

A new prom night in Memphis, Tenn., Included many of the usual features: dinner, limo-skiing, DJ music and fumbling with boutonnieres-but the guests of honor was a group of patients who underwent treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

There was over 50 teens attendance at St. Jude teen formal on Thursday, May 1, a number that included both the patients themselves and their guests.

The theme was “Garden of Dreams” and participating teens had to pick out dresses and tuxedos before getting ready on Danny Thomas/Alsac Pavilion.

“A disastrous disease should not prevent children from having the same experiences as other children of their age,” Dr. James Downing, President and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to People in a statement. “We want to give patients a sense of normality and help them create memories that will keep life out. It’s about making every day the best day it can be.”

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Participants took a limousine trip in the center, which was followed by family, friends and St. Jew personnel who greeted them at the Domino’s Event Center. Those involved were treated for dinner, dance and most importantly and enjoyed an important teenage rite for passage.

“One of my favorite parts at night was to dance with the nurses who took care of me when I was on the bone marrow transplant floor for transplantation,” says Yike “Michelle” Huangwhich was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 17.

“I just felt very happy to meet them again and enjoy the time with them,” adds the teenager.

Like most girls at Prom Night, she liked to show off her dress.

“I especially love the pink flowers that are sewn on the dress, because they expressed spring’s lively energy,” the patient notes.

Another prominent moment was just walking in the red carpet itself. “The bowl from all parents and staff gave me tremendous confidence and made me feel at home!” she says.

However, the festivities did not end there, since St. The Jude School program’s annual beginning of high school further honored 45 high schools the next day and rounded off a happy celebration of students’ performance, both personally and academically.

“2025 St. Jude Teen Formal is a reminder to enjoy life and live it fully regardless of when I for myself,” says Huang, adding at another point that “Prom was an unforgettable experience for me.”