What: Prom Party Palooza
Where: MD Anderson Cancer Center
The scoop: Local teen cancer patients and families dressed to impress at the inspirational and heartwarming annual Prom Party Palooza hosted by University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.
Prom week kicked off with a Dress and Suit Shop at MD Anderson. Patients were able to select prom attire and get fitted for new dresses donated by Muzzie’s, and suits provided by Men’s Wearhouse.
Hosted by NACE, the Dress and Suit Shop included Kendra Scott customized jewelry, monogrammed dress shirts by AND Suits, and shoes donated by SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker. Houston Dynamo players also attended helping patients select suits to wear to prom. Co-sponsors of the party included Sunshine Kids Foundation, Peli Peli Restaurants, and the Houston Chapter of National Association for Catering and Events (NACE).
On prom day, patients enjoyed a glamour session with hair stylists, nail technicians, and make-up artists from Beautique Day Spa and Salon. Caly Bevier, America’s Got Talent Season 11 finalist and teen ovarian cancer survivor visited with patients while they prepared for the big night.
This year’s prom theme was based on the American musical drama The Greatest Showman and the hospital was transformed into a circus wonderland complete with live entertainment. A ringmaster, contortionists, body balancers, stilt walkers, and jugglers entertained the crowd. Sarah Grace, The Voice Season 15 contestant, was the highlight of the night, singing several songs to the crowd.
A host of local restaurants were at prom serving delicious and mouth-watering food including Peli Peli, Snooze, True Food Kitchen, Taste of Texas, Cane Rosso, Craft Burger, and Antone's Famous Po'Boys. The Chocolate Llama designed a giant circus elephant masterpiece cake for all to enjoy.
After dinner and entertainment, patients and families headed to their designated parties. Parents and caregiver enjoyed festivities in The Park, while patients and siblings 12 years and younger enjoyed a party hosted by Sunshine Kids Foundation in another part of the hospital. Teens 13 years and older walked the red carpet, and danced the night away at their own private party on the top floor of MD Anderson.
Who: Dr. Richard Gorlick, Lisa Hafemeister, Dr. Branko Cuglievan, Tomika Gamble, Katrina Burton, Daniel Smith, Theda Williams, Jeanette Lastrape, Altrivice Revis, Jill Vidal-Raines, Jennifer Wisler, Thomas Nguyen, and a host of community businesses and partners.
Getting prom-ready.
