A glowing report from a night to remember for Tucson teens

03/31/2023

Thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, Diamond Children’s Medical Center in Tucson hosted a night to remember in March for teen patients battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Held at the Arizona Stadium with the theme of “Let’s Glow,” this one-of-a-kind prom featured dazzling neon lights, a silent disco, arcade games, prizes, refreshments, and special guests.

More than 70 teen patients from Diamond Children’s and their guests attended a prom with a theme of "Let's Glow." 

More than 70 teen patients from Diamond Children’s and their guests attended the prom, providing an opportunity for them to experience this quintessential high school tradition that they might otherwise miss due to illness, infection concerns, or hospitalization. Most of those attending the prom are at higher risk for infection and complications, so extra care was taken to prevent exposure.

Adding to the excitement and anticipation of the event, two patients were named prom king and queen during a University of Arizona men’s basketball game in February. The crowning of the Diamond Children’s prom king and queen in front of the large crowd of UA fans helped raise awareness about childhood cancer and the special needs of these teens facing life-threatening illness.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s mission is to provide the simple joys of childhood to kids and teens when they need it most, like when they are living with an illness. The Dunkin’ Joy in Foundation sponsored the first Diamond Children’s prom in 2022 and has been a generous supporter of Banner Children’s programs for several years.

To help ensure that Diamond Children’s can continue hosting a prom for its patients each year, the Banner Health Foundation has created the Diamond Children’s prom fund and invites the Tucson community to learn how contributions to the Diamond Children's Prom Fund can help.

Check out the highlights from this year’s prom in a video that will make you feel like you were dancing the night away, too.

Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services include emergency care, heart disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism and developmental disorders, cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders, neurological problems, orthopedics, intensive care needs and more. It is the only pediatric medical facility in Arizona connected to an academic research facility—the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center—where physician-scientists provide access to groundbreaking science and research to advance children’s health.