‘Let Them Eat Cake!’ Inside Prom 2019

One of the most anticipated events of the year, Prom 2019, returned to the Dunlevie Garden, May 17, at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Hundreds of current and former patients, friends and family enjoyed an evening of whims and fancies at the Hospital School‘s French revolution and Versailles-themed party.

While most people think of prom as a high school event, at the K–12 Hospital School, it’s a special night for patients and families of all ages. Guests were delighted by carnival games, a DJ, string quartet, hall of mirrors, face painting and a ‘Let them eat cake!’ cupcake decorating station.

This year a cohort of Hospital School graduates returned to prom. They enjoyed catching up with teachers and old friends, and served as an inspiration for current patients going through similar experiences.

The Hospital School helps hospitalized children to carry on the everyday activity of pursuing an education. This can have a positive effect on a child’s attitude toward treatment. Events like prom offer patients a sense of normalcy and a welcome distraction, and allows them to experience celebrated rites of passage.

This event would not be possible without the contributions of generous volunteers and donors, including our staff at the Hospital School, the French family, Sprinkles Cupcakes, AG Entertainment PhotoBooth, and more than 60 athletes from Stanford Athletics. We thank them for their support.