Going to the senior prom is a part of growing up.  For many kids, it's the first time they put on a formal gown, or wear a suit or tuxedo.  Prom is about feeling like an adult, finally getting to be a big shot enjoying a big night out on the town with your friends.

For some kids with chronic medical illnesses, however, just getting out of the house can be a limiting obstacle.  Thanks to a very generous grant from the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation, for the second year in a row Hasbro Children's Hospital has been able to organize an unforgettable prom for teen patients living with chronic medical illnesses and are part of a group called TALC (The Adolescent Leadership Council).

Michael Rock/Townsquare Media
Michael Rock/Townsquare Media
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The guests of honor all entered in red carpet style, with television cameras rolling and phones out capturing the moment. Parents agreed in advance to leave the venue after the entrance so that the kids could be kids. Not an easy task for parents who are used to being heavily involved with every aspect of their sick child's life. However, doctors and nurses from Hasbro were also on the guest list, which gave parents the peace of mind needed.

After a Cinco De Mayo themed dinner that consisted of delicious tacos and yummy nachos, the Murder Mystery Co presented a Jewel Heist, "Now you see it, now you don't interactive show. A mariachi band led the teens back to the dancefloor at the end of the show, and the dancing continued until the end of the night. Looking around the room, as the bass thumped on the first floor of the luxury hotel, the photo booth pics were snapping and the endless supply of desserts were perfectly presented on the table, it seemed as if all of these kids were finally experiencing a moment free of medical talk and worries.  They were just teenaged kids.

The brutal truth of the matter is that some of the kids who were able to make it to the inaugural prom last year are now fighting for their lives with terminal cancer.  This is exactly why this prom is so important. We can't thank Dunkin enough for making these precious moments come true.

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