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St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Brings Big Top Fun During Special CAR-NIVAL Prom
June 13, 2022
Pediatric patients and their families stepped right up and had a ball during St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s drive-thru prom, held in partnership with Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.
The hospital hosted the carnival-themed event for its teenage patients who were unable to attend their own dance and younger patients who due to chronic or life-threatening conditions, may never get the opportunity.
The fun and interactive experience was held on Saturday, June 11, and featured music, dancing, carnival-themed treats, prom photos, swag bags, and lots of fun.
Attendees remained in their vehicles during the event, making stops at several stations to pick up prom gear and goodies, play games and show off their best dance moves. In addition to the drive-thru, families had the option to park their vehicle and join an outdoor party.
The Child Life team at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, with support from the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Foundation, organizes special events like prom in an effort to provide patients with experiences that they might not otherwise have due to treatment and hospitalization.
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital patient Quinn, age 8, was excited his younger siblings, 7-year-old Ronan and 3-year old Nolan, were able to join in on the fun. Quinn was born with heterotaxy–right atrial isomerism, a rare syndrome that involves the placement of several major organs and multiple heart defects. He has undergone multiple open-heart surgeries and neurosurgeries in his short life, the first one at just 9 days old.
“Quinn and his two brothers had so much fun at the drive-thru prom, and I really love that the hospital is always so inclusive to the siblings,” said Quinn’s mother, Sarah DeLaet. “We make these type of events a priority because of the joy and gratitude it brings to our whole family.”
She adds that watching Quinn live his best life at the carnival as he played games, enjoyed treats and had a dance off with one of the hospital’s Child Life Specialists was the most gratifying feeling.
“It was wonderful to see him connect with people at the hospital who have had such a huge impact on his life outside of the hospital in such a fun setting,” Sarah said.
To see highlights from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s drive-thru prom, visit: Facebook.com/StJosephsChildrens.