A teen prom hosted by  Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center gave hospitalized teenagers a night off from treatment, bringing food, dancing and an "Around the World" theme to Casino del Sol Stadium on April 11.

Creating a safe environment for pediatric patients outside the hospital is a massive logistical undertaking. The event, funded by a $50,000 grant from the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation, required close coordination between medical professionals and stadium operations.

"We've created different spaces throughout the environment," said Hadley Trull, Banner's associate director of child life. "Some have spaces for our kids that want to be active, and then other activities are more of a sit-down experience so that everyone feels like they have a space they belong to."

The "Around the World" theme was chosen to represent a future without boundaries, and the decor and food reflected that, with dishes from China, Italy, Mexico and parts of Europe. Dunkin' added its signature flair with drinks including a Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher, lemonade and caramel iced coffees, plus doughnuts.

Students spent the evening dancing, dining and trying their luck at arcade games including air hockey, a claw machine and video games

For patients who might feel overwhelmed by the lights and noise of a stadium event, the Child Life team set up quiet zones and designated staff to provide a more grounded experience.

"For kids that maybe do better with a one-on-one experience, we pair our team members with those kiddos so that they feel like they have a safe person," Trull said. "If they want to step away from the excitement, they have the ability to do that."

The event would not have been possible without a significant lift from the medical staff. The guest list, according to Chief Nursing Officer Beth Draves, is the result of deep collaboration between the nursing team and medical providers.

"The Child Life team, in partnership with a lot of our providers and nursing teams, goes out and invites patients who have faced life-changing illnesses, experiences or injuries," Draves said.

Creating a prom for patients didn't come without its learning curves. Now four years in, the inaugural prom was a formal affair complete with a decorated venue.

"We found that that did not work very well at all. There was very low attendance," Trull said.

After listening to patient feedback, the team learned the expectations of a traditional prom were too restrictive.

"We pivoted from the formal prom idea, and everyone was happy and relaxed," Trull said. "That's the pathway we've gone for the last four years, just a fun night out."

While the night is designed to feel like an escape, Draves noted that the clinical safety net remained a top priority and involved securing signed consents and upholding strict regulations. The goal is to provide a "safety-first" environment that allows patients to have an evening of worry-free fun.

For Draves, the most profound impact of the prom is the patients' ability to let loose and enjoy themselves.

"When you are faced with challenges like many of the guests are, you miss out on stuff. It's hard to watch friends go through and live normal lives when you're in treatment," Draves said. "Seeing them connect with peers who understand their journey and share a sense of normalcy provides a moment of camaraderie."

Isabel Vidrio is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at vidrioi@arizona.edu.

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