INDIANAPOLIS -
Jennie Runevitch/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Riley Hospital for Children created an unforgettable evening Friday for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
They got to dress up and dance the night away at the inaugural Riley Cancer Center Prom. Organizers say it's what memories are made of - the excitement and enchantment of prom night.
With a magical "Harry Potter" theme as a backdrop, pint-sized prom dates and families used to spending most days in hospital rooms, forgot about their cancer treatments and celebrated life.
"Unfortunately, some children may never actually get to have a prom or go to their actual high school prom, so we found it so important to provide them a prom now," said Krista Fox, Riley Children's Foundation.
Before the dance, families got the full treatment for the prom. Indianapolis-area stylists donated their services for manicures, makeup, massages and pampering from head to toe.
"This is fun. This is a beauty shop," said Riley parent Shannon Pierce. "We're getting makeup done, hair done. This is not a hospital right now. This is a fun spot."
Rhea Roller, 19, was diagnosed with leukemia last May. Although she was able to attend her own high school prom, Rhea enjoyed this dance as well, especially because it included so many young patients.
"Cancer's hard. It's not easy. So these kids getting this special treatment, a day to themselves, pampering and stuff, it's just really, it's awesome to see them," Roller said.
Three-year-old Olivia Pierce has bilateral retinoblastoma - cancer in both of her eyes.
"We'll have another surgery in September. She's had 29 eye procedures already, but look at her! She's a tiger. She's a fighter," Pierce said.
And on this night, with her flowers, her curls, her donated dress, she's a dancer.
"I'm gonna dance all the time," Olivia said before the prom.
"I know Olivia. She'll boogie down as long as she can," her mom said.
As soon as the kids arrived, they packed the dance floor, including Olivia, who didn't stop dancing for almost an hour.
"If I lose her I'd know where to find her," her mom said. "She'll grab anybody to dance with. She's on a roll!"
The joy and the freedom on the faces of all the children at the prom is why Riley plans to make the event an annual tradition. They want to give families at least one night where cancer doesn't exist.
Shannon Pierce says it's an experience she and her daughter won't soon forget.
"I'm overwhelmed," she said. "The things they went out of their way to do for the kids and the families is really fantastic."
Riley Hospital hosted a prom for young cancer patients.
Indianapolis-area stylists donated their services for manicures, makeup and massages.
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