A record number of Nicklaus Children's patients and their families celebrated the 9th Annual Carlin Family Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Prom on Saturday, April 13th at the Coral Gables Hyatt Regency. More than 140 teens participated, marking the largest turnout in Carlin Prom history.
The enchanting invite-only evening provides patients the opportunity to participate in a prom that offers a safe environment for them to have fun, regardless of their medical needs. Patients danced the night away as they celebrated a high school tradition that they might otherwise miss due to illness, infection concerns, or hospitalization. Nicklaus Children’s Child Life Specialists and other clinically trained hospital staff were in attendance to ensure that every patient had access to medical care, if necessary.
The Carlin Family Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Prom is made possible thanks to the generosity of South Florida business leaders and philanthropists Adam and Chanin Carlin.
The prom experience included a pre-event shopping spree evening for all attendees to select their evening attire, as well as hair and make-up sessions with professional stylists before the magical night. The event featured a photo booth, candy station, interactive art wall, food and music by DJ Affect!
Parents also enjoyed a special night of their own at a reception, adjacent to the prom area, where they could watch the festivities via livestream and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment for their teen.
"The Carlin Family Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Prom is a shining example of how generous donors help create a more beautiful world for the patients in our care," said Allison Baker, president of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation and vice president of development for Nicklaus Children’s Health System. "This glittering event fosters a sense of belonging and turns dreams into a reality for patients who have been on a challenging medical journey. We are so grateful to the Carlin Family for their longstanding commitment to creating this special experience for the children we serve.”
In 2014, Nicklaus Children's Hospital was the first pediatric hospital in South Florida to offer a prom for its patients. Since then, this annual tradition has attracted many local supporters and vendors who are dedicated to providing our patients with an unforgettable prom night.
Carlin Prom is made possible by the Carlin Family, with support from 4Sound Group, Balloons by Luz Paz, DJ Affect, Books for You Miami, Glamour Hippy, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, Jaxson Maximus, Miami Royal Ballet & Dance, Prosel, The Therapy Dogs by Alexandra Ramos, and WOW MKTG.