Teens Enjoy First-Ever Prom at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

More than 100 teenagers filled UCSF’s Moffitt Café on April 15 for the first-ever UCSF patient prom – the only hospital prom for teens in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 “There aren’t words to capture how inspiring it was to see our cafeteria filled with previously and currently hospitalized teenagers and their friends dancing, smiling, laughing, taking pictures, and making new friends,” said UCSF Child Life Specialist Lisa Gray. “The whole prom experience gives significance and perspective to what our children’s hospital staff are a part of as we care for teenagers—treating their medical needs so that they can live their lives to the fullest. Prom gave these teens a night to enjoy life and forget their illness.”

One of those patients is Rachel Hale, who was prepping for prom from her hospital bed at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital for months while she was treated for a combination of gastrointestinal and orthostatic conditions.

She combed through fashion magazines and prom websites while her boyfriend Cameron looked on, nervous that her long inpatient stay would prohibit her from finding the perfect dress.

But when Rachel stepped out of her limousine on prom night, she wasn’t thinking of the hospital, but hitting the dance floor. Donning a long pink and white gown and matching pink shoes with her hair swept up in a chignon, Rachel was ready for her rite of passage as a typical teenager.

UCSF Recognizes Prom Supporters  

The Salesforce.com Foundation was the event's major sponsor. The UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital would also like to thank these additional supporters: