As Lewis Carroll once said, “The secret, Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. It’s then, only then, that you’ll find Wonderland.”
That magical place was Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH), part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, transformed on May 30 into magical prom venue for long-term care residents, inpatient children and their families.
The whimsical “CSH in Wonderland” prom provided an opportunity for all patients, from babies to 21 years old, to have their hair, makeup and nails done, dress up in donated formal attire, dance and experience an unforgettable and enchanted evening in a joyful, inclusive environment. The decor was “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired, adding Mad Tea Party touches, colorful large paper flowers, a black-and-white checkered carpet and a caricaturist.
And there were many, many smiles.
The event is part of a meaningful tradition to support the emotional and social wellbeing of medically fragile children and their families. Many of these children and young adults, some as young as infants, have missed traditional milestones due to complex medical challenges. Some missed their own school’s prom while others needed a night of fun.
“Hosting a prom event for our inpatients and their families is an opportunity for us to provide patient and family-centered care and promote our patients’ overall quality of life,” stated Christina Moran, recreational therapist at CSH Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital. “Our patients work so hard in all of their therapies. Prom is the time to carry over those same skills from therapy, while also having fun, getting dressed up, and socializing with peers.”
The CSH prom at the New Brunswick hospital was the final event in a series of three hosted by CSH in May across its campuses, which also includes Children’s Specialized Hospital Long Term Care Center – Mountainside and Children’s Specialized Hospital Long Term Care Center − Toms River Stevens Road.
CSH’s inpatient facility in New Brunswick provides inpatient therapy for children following a serious injury, illness, premature birth, major surgery, chronic illness or pain or any other life-changing incident. CSH Long Term Care centers in Mountainside and Toms River are home to many medically fragile children whose families’ current circumstances no longer allow them to be cared for in the home or other community settings.
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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
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