Prom for terrific Tucson teens

05/01/2024

Arizona Stadium was the site of this year’s Diamond Children’s and Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation prom, celebrating fun, friendship and the camaraderie among teen patients who are battling illness.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation generously awarded a $50,000 grant to make the prom possible, giving teens with health challenges the chance to partake in this high school tradition they might otherwise miss due to illness, infection concerns, or hospitalization.

With the theme “A Night Under the Stars,” prom attendees enjoyed stargazing through telescopes and playing arcade and yard games. Star Wars characters stopped by, as did Banner – University Medicine’s pet therapy dogs. Gadabout Salon Spas helped attendees feel glamorous with complimentary hair and make-up styling before the big event.

“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