Luca Goes to the Prom

Each Spring, the cafeteria at Sloan-Kettering is transformed into a grand ballroom, and the pediatric patients, families, and staff attend the annual prom. Wearing gowns and tuxedos, everyone gets to dance and celebrate for a few hours. And even though some of the kids are hooked up to IV poles and receiving chemotherapy on the dance floor, it gives the whole community a chance to briefly forget about lumbar punctures and mucisitis and white cell counts. It's an amazing event that the kids look forward to for weeks.

Luca was feeling well enough to attend this year, and was the youngest little guy there. Sporting a tuxedo onesie, Luca came with four dates (his Mama, two aunties, and Angie), and got to dance with his doctors and nurses. He must have too much punch though, because he passed out on the dance floor. He's already lining up dates for next year's prom.

Videos of past proms can be seen at the Sloan-Kettering site and this segment from the Today Show.

(06/14 Update: prom stories from ABC News here and here.)

Comments

[Ballroom Dancing Dresses]

This is hubby’s choice for the first step in my learn-to-sew project. He says that I can wear it every Friday when we ballroom dance. (That sounds utterly pompous, doesn’t it? Why not simply say dancing? Because, after all, is there any other kind of dancing? Not in my world!) And this dress is quite pretty, ever so feminine. I see it in a silk-linen blend. Unlined, of course, because it needs to be cool on the dance floor. It’s easy to work up quite a sweat — I suppose I should be every scintilla the Southern girl and say glow — with a tango or a cha cha. My dance teacher, by the way, is celebrating his 20th wedding anny next week. So mahvelous! But back to the Butterick. It looks a little difficult. I see buttons. And that means buttonholes. I want to learn to make beautiful buttonholes — one day. But I see frustration if I attempt them too soon. Baby steps. Right?

[shannon]

hey luca,

you should have your mom teach you the 'electric slide'...

totally awesome!

good to see those smiles!
shannon

[Josh]

It's a bold move to bring one's parents and aunts to the prom, Luca. I commend you for having the courage necessary to challenge traditional American dating methodologies. You are a pioneer and trailblazer. Some day, a John Hughes movie will sing your praises. Fight on, wee crusader!

[Brian, Joanne, Alexander & Alaina Craig]

Do they get any better looking than you??? What a hunk you are....especially in your tux!
We love you very much and can't wait to meet you.
Love,
Auntie Jo

[Nabil, Irene, Rina and Tee]

Luca,
My...My...My....what a handsome little boy you are in that TUX! Just an FYI....Tanya is available same time next year for her Prom.....We love you Luca Dukes and miss you sooooo much!

[Tony, Kristyn, Madalyne & Anthony Sousou]

He's so adorable! What a great hospital! Luca is very lucky to be at a place that cares so much about their patients. I'm sure that the quality care he is receiving, along with everyone's love and prayers, has helped Luca get into remission and STAY in remission. Nice tux, Luca!

Love,
Tony, Kristyn, Madalyne & Anthony

[Tony, Kristyn, Madalyne & Anthony Sousou]

He's so adorable! What a great hospital! Luca is very lucky to be at a place that cares so much about their patients. I'm sure that the quality care he is receiving, along with everyone's love and prayers, has helped Luca get into remission and STAY in remission. Nice tux, Luca!

Love,
Tony, Kristyn, Madalyne & Anthony

[Sari Remon]

Hi Manal, Greg and Luca:
My heart felt sooo good as I viewed the Prom pictures over and over...so as not to miss one detail of the event. How adorable Luca looked in his tux, and you all looked like you were having a great time. What a wonderful idea they came up with to put a little fun in your days with such a unique idea. I hope you did a little "shimmy" or "twist" for ole Aunt Sari! Love and hugs to all of you.
Aunt Sari

[Sally, Drew, Christian and Cameron]

Luca,
You must have had a wonderful time to pass out on the dance floor buddy. You look stunning in your tux,and Mommy & Daddy look so gorgeous! Wish we could have been there.
Loves of love and warm snuggles,
The Aitchisons

[Kelli Dippold]

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!! A party animal already- it is so nice to see such good times and smiles. Thinking of you all always and keeping you in our prayers.
Love,
John, Kelli, Johnny, Jake and Jordan

[Nana & Papa V.]

Luca: By the power vested in us as your grandparents, we pronounce you the King of the Prom. By the looks of it, you had yourself quite a time, some what of a party boy. Looks like a little of Uncle Steve has rubbed off on you. We love your Tux, you look so handsome. We love and miss you.
Papa & Nana V.

[Uncle Bob, Aunt Tina, Stacy & Alyssa]

Hi Guys,

Luca's cousin Alyssa went to senior ball this past Friday and when we went to a house to take pictures there wasn't a guy there who looked as handsome as Luca does. Good thing they don't let little guys into the Oncenter. It would have been a bit embarrassing for all those seniors to get beat for Prom King by someone who is not yet one year old.

God Bless,

Uncle Bob, Aunt Tina, Stacy and Alyssa

[Tanya Allawh]

My goodness...Luca, you looked so gorgeous and hott in that tuxedo!! I miss you so much!