TUCSON (March 29, 2024) – The Diamond Children’s and Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation prom was held Saturday, March 23 at Arizona Stadium to celebrate fun, friendship and the camaraderie among teen patients who are battling severe illness.
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is a generous supporter of Banner Children’s programs, including this year’s prom which was held thanks to the foundation’s $50,000 grant. The prom provides an opportunity for teens who have experienced illness to partake in this high school tradition that they might otherwise miss due to illness, infection concerns, or hospitalization.
The prom’s theme was “A Night Under the Stars” and attendees were able to stargaze through telescopes and play a variety of arcade and yard games such as race car driving, Pac Man, cornhole and air hockey. Star Wars characters stopped by as did Banner – University Medicine pet therapy dogs. Gadabout Salon Spas provided glam sessions for those in attendance.
“Banner Health and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation recognize there is a huge difference in the needs of patients who are teenagers, versus young children. The Dunkin' Prom program provides a prom night experience for teenage patients who due to illness and treatment may miss out on their school prom event.” shared Shannon Durkin, Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation Co-Chair - West Region. “We are so grateful to be able to celebrate this moment with patients at Banner Health and allow these brave, young teens to step away from their illness and into the joy of experiencing prom.”
Patients took home an array of raffle prizes provided by Dunkin’ and Banner team members.
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 their contributions can help: http://give.bannerhealth.com/diamondprom
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.
About the Dunkin’® Joy in Childhood Foundation®
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’, 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 Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $40 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country thanks to the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees. For more information, please visit www.joyinchildhoodfoundation.org.
About Dunkin'®
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' is America's favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin' is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced regular/decaf/flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin' has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category for 16 years running. The company has more than 12,600 restaurants in 40 countries worldwide. Dunkin' is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.
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