For many teens, prom is a rite of passage – a night to dress up, dance, and celebrate alongside friends. But for teens receiving cancer treatment, hospital stays, treatment schedules, and health concerns often make attending a traditional school prom impossible.
That’s why A Friend in Me, a non-profit organization founded by Neeharika “Nikki” Pendekanti, brought the magic of prom directly to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital – creating “Seas the Night,” a special ocean-themed prom designed exclusively for teens undergoing cancer treatment at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute.
The event transformed Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital’s auditorium into an underwater wonderland, complete with themed décor, music, dancing, games, and a few unforgettable surprises. Actress Emma Shannon, known for her role in HBO’s TV series “The Righteous Gemstones,” made a special appearance, along with Disha Desai, Mrs. India Global Ambassador 2024 – both spending time with patients and adding even more excitement to the evening. Shannon’s appearance was made possible through the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which also provided other fun Starlight programs and activities to enhance the night.
“Prom is such a special milestone for so many teens, and every teenager deserves the chance to experience that joy – regardless of a diagnosis,” said Nikki Pendekanti, founder of A Friend in Me. “This night was about creating memories and giving these incredible young people a chance to simply be kids.”
From mocktail stations to photo booths, interactive activities, and plenty of dancing, every detail of “Seas the Night” was designed to help patients step away from their medical routines and into a night of fun, laughter, and connection. And of course, no prom would be complete without a crowning moment – with patients Kayla Diaz and Jorge Salvador earning the titles of Prom Queen and Prom King of the night, surrounded by cheers from friends and care team members.
“Seeing our patients light up with joy was absolutely unforgettable,” said Allison Sighi, child life specialist at the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “In the hospital, we often see these kids on some of their hardest days – going through treatment, feeling sick, or just missing out on being with friends. To see them out on the dance floor, laughing, having fun, and just being teens – it was really special. That’s what this night was all about.”
For Nikki, this event is deeply personal. After losing her son, Rupesh, to leukemia in 2007 at just 7 years old, she founded A Friend in Me to create moments of joy and connection for children undergoing treatment – moments many children miss out on during their own treatments. Their main objective is to build a community for these children within the confines of the hospital, while making them feel that their childhood is not taken away from them.
“Through those tough times, someone helped put a smile on his face,” Nikki says. “We were at the receiving end of that kindness once. It is our turn now to give that kindness back.”
Kayla Diaz and Jorge Salvador, both 17-year-old patients at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, earned the titles of Prom Queen and Prom King of the night.
Emma Shannon enjoys a heartfelt dinner with patients, sharing smiles and creating lasting memories at ‘Seas the Night’ prom.
With big smiles, patients make the most of prom night memories with their friends.
Miller Children’s & Women’s patients playfully celebrate with fun props at the photo booth during the A Friend in Me “Seas the Night” prom.
