Prom night is typically a highlight for teenagers, but the glitz and glamour of the once-in-a-lifetime event may be lost on teens battling cancer. For the last few years, A Prom to Remember has stepped in to give these young people a night they won't soon forget.

Thanks to the Cleveland nonprofit, teens with cancer will be getting their own special prom on April 5 at The Ritz-Carlton in downtown Cleveland. Organizers expect over 100 teens to attend the event.

"The idea is to give these kids something incredible to look forward to," says prom chair Jane Knausz.

The teens are patients from three area hospitals: Akron Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. On prom night, they get the red carpet treatment, including limousine pickup, prom photos and entertainment. On hand will be cheerleaders from the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as members of the St. Ignatius Circus Company. 

To prepare the young prom-goers for their big evening, a "Dress Extravaganza" event was held earlier this month at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. About 100 girls selected donated dresses of all sizes, shapes and colors, along with a bevy of jewelry and accessories. Their male counterparts were not left out, receiving tuxedos from American Tuxedo. Funding for accessories like gift bag items is still needed, notes Knausz. Those interested in donating can do so directly on the A Prom to Remember website.

A night away from chemotherapy and hospital gowns is its own kind of therapy, Knausz believes. "These kids can get together with others in the same situation," she says. "They know they're not alone."

SOURCE: Jane Knausz
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth