CHAM Brings Prom to Clinic

by David Cruz

For teens hospitalized around springtime, the possibility of missing their prom lurks. The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) saw a need to fill the void five years ago, bringing the prom to the medical clinic ever since.

Now in its fifth year, the CHAM Prom glamorized the kids at the hospital, who were also treated to an appearance by Miss New Jersey Emily Shah.

Chronically ill teens, some of whom have missed school and social gatherings because of their illnesses, joined 75 of their peers on May 3 at the Grand Hall. Decked in fancy suits and prom gowns, the teens were given the full treatment of a prom.

And the kids enjoyed a circus-like theme this year, complete with unicyclists, acrobats and jugglers.

As with most custom proms, a prince was chosen. This time the honor went to Jihad Elvy, a 12-year-old diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Erica Ampofo (right), an 18-year-old, who has sickle cell disease gets her makeup done by Miss New Jersey Emily Shah for the 5th Annual Prom held at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. Photo by Meghan Hughes — All hail [rom prince Jihad Elvy, a 12-year-old with sickle cell disease celebrates his crowning of “Prom Prince” at the 5th Annual Prom held at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.

Operation PROM, a group that helps low-income teens attend a prom, stepped in to help. The group received help from Men’s Wearhouse, who donated the guy’s tuxedos free of charge.

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