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Local Hospital Holds 4th Annual Prom For Young Cancer Patients

By Dan Wing 

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- St. Christopher's Hospital for Children held their 4th annual prom Saturday afternoon for young cancer patients.

After getting decked out in tuxedos and dresses, putting on make up and getting their hair done, the stars of the night walked the red carpet to a huge round of applause. From there it was on to the dance floor, the buffet line, or a stop at the face painting station.

Grant is one of St. Christopher's teenage patients, and he was taking in his first prom. He said the positive vibe of the party was a welcome change.

"One of the biggest things that other cancer survivors have told me is just to stay positive, and how a positive mentality can really, really help you. So, positive vibes, right?"

While the dance floor was packed, not everyone was in the mood, like 5-year old Ahmad Butler.

"I don't like dancing." said Butler. "Not cool, man. Not cool."

Christine's 4-year old son Nicholas was a little shy around the mic, but she said having a day of fun with her son was priceless.

"When we got here he said 'Mom, we're not here for blood work, right,' and I said no were just here for fun. And just being able to let him be a 4-year old and have a really good time and dance and just be a kid is really awesome."

Robin Capecci is a social worker with St. Christopher's, and she said that's the whole point of this event.

"We made this prom to be called a family prom for the purpose of families being together and enjoying each other and having fun." said Capecci.

Judging by the faces in the crowd, that mission was accomplished.

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