Kaiser Oakland hospital hosts 'Enchanted Forest' prom night for teen patients

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Dozens of teenage patients at Kaiser Permanente Oakland got the chance to experience a milestone many thought they had missed: prom night.

With the help of hospital staff, volunteers and donations, teens who were unable to attend their high school proms because of serious medical treatments or surgeries were treated to a special evening -- complete with formal attire, hair styling and makeup.

Seventeen-year-old Brianna Herrera spent part of the day getting ready for the event.

"Well, I got my nails done. And then we got my hair done," Herrera said.

She looked forward to celebrating with fellow patients.

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"We're going to have fun with everyone and dance with everyone," she said.

The event gave dozens of teens the opportunity to enjoy a traditional prom experience after missing out during difficult periods of their lives.

"It feels really good. I really love it," said attendee Bella Guidos. "I think this is the one for me."

Many of the teens were unable to attend their original proms because of medical challenges.

"I had a spinal fusion, so I couldn't move," Herrera said.

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Several participants said they appreciated the effort made by hospital staff and volunteers to create the event.

"Its really cool that they're doing this," Herrera said.

The evening included a grand entrance and an "Enchanted Forest" theme, transforming part of the hospital into a prom venue.

"I'm really excited for tonight," one attendee said. "Nervous. But we don't know what to expect."

For hospital staff, the event carried special meaning.

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"These are the kids we have all cared for at the hardest times. They didn't have a chance to make it to their prom," said Dr. Jenna Timm of Kaiser Hospital Oakland. "And now we have an evening where we get to make it magical and special and have them look beautiful, feel beautiful and feel part of the fairy tale."

She noted that many of the participants have faced significant health challenges.

"Some of them have been dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Some of them have been working through having certain lines or ports or surgeries during those times," Timm said.

Parents also expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

"This is a great opportunity, something that we didn't think she got to experience," said Hilda Herrera, Brianna's mother. "I would like to thank everyone who participated. All the volunteers. It took a lot of effort to get this together."

For one evening, the teens were able to focus less on medical treatments and more on celebrating a rite of passage alongside friends, families and caregivers who helped make the event possible.