10th annual Renal Teen Prom to be themed ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

[okarol]

10th annual Renal Teen Prom to be themed ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’
10/14/2008 10:07:21 AM


The Renal Support Network announced it will be holding the 10th annual Renal Teen Prom Jan. 18, 2009 at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif. 
The prom is a free event for teenagers and young adults with kidney disease and their guests set in the style of a gala senior prom. More than 350 kidney teens ages 14-24 on dialysis, pre-dialysis, or who have a transplant attend with their friends and family. The prom also attracts teens from across the nation. 

The young people are treated to a night of dancing and entertainment,  including dinner and hors d’oeuvres, limousine rides, glamour photos, and appearances by Hollywood celebrities who sign autographs and mingle. Evening gowns are donated to ensure that everyone in attendance feels elegant.  Many families are challenged by the high financial cost of chronic illness medication and care, and a pretty prom dress is often out of the question. RSN also works to provide transportation to the prom from Southern California areas. 
 
Held on the Sunday of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday with a free Monday afterwards, the prom does not conflict with dialysis treatments which are usually three- to four-hour sessions Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Health care professionals are on site at the prom. 

Notre Dame High student and alumni volunteers, together with the large RSN community of volunteers, devote an entire weekend decorating the gymnasium for the prom.  The decoration, reflecting the Wizard of Oz theme, includes professionally-designed sets and backdrops, fresh flower centerpieces and live trees—and of course, a yellow brick road. Additional volunteers include health care professionals, kidney patients, and supporters.

The prom was the inspiration of Lori Hartwell, RSN’s President and Founder, who missed her own prom because she spent all her teenage years on dialysis. Teenagers with kidney disease miss large amounts of school because of prolonged absences due to health. The prom brings these young people together to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes. It lets them know they are not alone and that one friend can make a difference.  To request an invitation and for further information, check the RSN web site at RSNhope.org.

http://www.nephronline.com/news.asp?N_ID=2396

[monrein]

Stephen Bennett, Pelagia's husband, does a lovely version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" on his harp guitar. 

[okarol]

Stephen Bennett, Pelagia's husband, does a lovely version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" on his harp guitar. 

Wow - I would love to hear that!

[monrein]

Actually Karol, I think I've made a mistake there.  I must have been thinking of "It's a Wonderful World" because when I went to look  up "Rainbow" on YouTube of course I couldn't find it.  Sorry about that.

[okarol]

Actually Karol, I think I've made a mistake there.  I must have been thinking of "It's a Wonderful World" because when I went to look  up "Rainbow" on YouTube of course I couldn't find it.  Sorry about that.

Awww that's Goofynina's song 

[okarol]

Note from RSN:

The prom brings these young people together to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes. It lets them know they are not alone and that one friend can make a difference. To request an invitation and for further information, check the RSN web site: RSNhope.org. or call (866) 903-1728.

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities, including sponsoring a teen from out-of-town, should contact RSN at (866) 903-1728, Ext. 105.