WHAT: Diamond Children’s Medical Center and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to host the hospital’s first ever prom for teen patients. The prom’s theme is the Roaring 20’s.
WHEN: Prom will be held on April 30 from 5 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: The University of Arizona Football Stadium, 1 National Championship Dr., Tucson, 85719.
MEDIA INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
Media are invited to attend the event for interviews with teen patients, hospital staff and Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation representatives and to capture photos/video of the experience.
TUCSON, Ariz. (April 26, 2022) – Diamond Children’s Medical Center and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to host the hospital’s first ever prom for teen patients. The prom’s theme is the Roaring 20’s.
The past two years has been especially difficult for children living with serious illnesses. Many teen patients are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and complications, so their families have had to take extra care to prevent exposure. Remote learning, canceled activities, isolation from friends, and increased stress became parts of everyday life to manage, on top of regular doctor's office visits and treatments. Giving these patients an opportunity to experience this version of a prom can bring fun, joy and friendship, all in a safe environment.
The Diamond Children’s prom will be held at Arizona Stadium and thanks to a partnership with Gadabout
Salons and E.L.F Cosmetics, hair and make-up will be provided for those in attendance.
Those attending will be treated to a magical night filled with teen inspired food dishes, a photo booth, gift bags, games, and other surprises. Special guests include Arizona basketball and football team members, Wilbur and Wilma, and inspiring messages delivered on the giant teleprompt screen from
UArizona coaches and Banner clinical teams and will showcase the attendees and activities throughout the night.
“Prom is celebrated by many Arizona teens each spring, but every year patients battling cancer and other serious illnesses may have to miss the party. We’re grateful to partner with Banner Children’s to create a night of joy for deserving teens who may have been unable to attend important celebrations,” said Dan Cataldo, Dunkin’ Team West operations manager, Joy in Childhood Foundation, co-chair of the West/Southern region and cancer survivor. “These teens often are separated from friends, family, and ‘typical’ milestones and this event allows them to focus for a few hours on having fun and creating special memories, rather than a diagnosis.”
This Dunkin’ Prom, and others scheduled around the country, support the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood
Foundation’s mission to provide the simple joys of childhood to kids when they need it most.
About the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation
The Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin' and the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees, provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children's hospitals and nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $30 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country. For more information, please visit www.bringjoy.org.
About Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center
Banner Children’s – 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. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/diamondchildrens.
Media Contact: Rebecca Ruiz McGill; [email protected], 520-360-0308
For further information contact us at: [email protected]