Oh What A Night! Young Patients Enjoy An Unforgettable Evening at Kapiolani Prom

For some medically fragile patients, attending the high school rite of passage that is prom is an impossibility. 

Not at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. 

For the past four years, staff and volunteers at the hospital have done the seemingly impossible and brought prom to their patients, not only to extend the care they provide to patients every day, but to create a fun, comfortable and safe environment for patients to have an unforgettable experience. 

“The sole purpose of the Kapiolani Prom is to make sure that teens who missed their high school functions due to their medical conditions have the opportunity to have the full experience of anticipation, formal dress, flowers, dinner, DJ, photography and spirited dancing in a magical setting,” says Rehabilitation Services Director Susan LaFountaine, who oversees Child Life Services, which puts on the annual formal. 

The theme for 2016 was “Come Fly Away!” and took patients on a whirlwind tour around the world. A starry tent draped in satin served as the centerpiece for the global adventure, transporting prom-goers on a magic carpet ride to different cities far and wide.

Henna art provided a temporary reminder of a trip to India, while gelato gave patients a taste of Italy. 

Outfitted in different costumes, teens struck a pose for the photo booth – even Tucker, Kapiolani’s chief canine officer, got involved with the hijinks! 

But the music and dancing was all-American fun, with a live DJ spinning popular hits that got everyone out on the dance floor. 

“So much fun was had (at this year’s event) that three final dances were requested, as no one wanted the evening to end!” LaFountaine says. 

“If you ever get asked to go to the hospital prom – just GO!!!” says a Kapiolani patient who attended the prom for the first time this year. “You will have so much fun dancing, taking pictures and making new friends. But best of all, you will make good memories.” 

Generous partners who donated their time and services to make the event possible this year included:

• Steven Boyle Designs – décor and florals
• The Bella Project – dresses
• Aaron Domingo – live music
• Remedy, LLC – live music
• Exquisite Entertainment – DJ services
• Sodexo – food
• Millie – candy and gelato bar
• HennaLove Hawaii – henna art
• Photo Ops Hawaii – photo booth
• Shannon Sasaki Photography – professional photography
• ACES XP, LLC – photography supplies
• Symbologie – invitations
• Elite Parking Services – valet parking

Published on: May 9, 2016