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Tampa’s St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital holds prom for pediatric patients

The hospital hosts the event for patients unable to attend their own prom and for those who, due to chronic or life-threatening conditions, may never get the opportunity to go to one.
Kids hit the dance floor, while music plays during prom night, at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on Friday in Tampa.
Kids hit the dance floor, while music plays during prom night, at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on Friday in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
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Published Mar. 4|Updated Mar. 4

Dozens of current and former pediatric patients, along with family members and friends, took part in their own arcade-themed prom held at the hospital Friday. The evening included music, dancing, refreshments and photos.

The Child Life team at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital organizes special events in an effort to provide patients with experiences that may never have the opportunity to enjoy. “This is a great milestone event,” said Child life specialist, Karlyn Crawford. “It gives a chance for the kids to be kids.”

Emersyn Southwick, 6, of Zephyrhills, tries on different costume props during prom night at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on Friday.
Emersyn Southwick, 6, of Zephyrhills, tries on different costume props during prom night at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital on Friday. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Michaela Lebron, 7, of Tampa, reacts after she puts on glasses that light up during prom.
Michaela Lebron, 7, of Tampa, reacts after she puts on glasses that light up during prom. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Melissa Robaina, of Tampa, helps 11-year-old son Ayden Robaina, put on party decorations.
Melissa Robaina, of Tampa, helps 11-year-old son Ayden Robaina, put on party decorations. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Joey Fonck, 4, of Wesley Chapel, puts on gloves that light up.
Joey Fonck, 4, of Wesley Chapel, puts on gloves that light up. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Joey Fonck, 4, of Wesley Chapel, hits the dance floor during prom night.
Joey Fonck, 4, of Wesley Chapel, hits the dance floor during prom night. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Bonus sisters Dylan Bartini, 8, and Sadie Brydon, 11, both of Brandon, hold hands as they choose each other as dance partners.
Bonus sisters Dylan Bartini, 8, and Sadie Brydon, 11, both of Brandon, hold hands as they choose each other as dance partners. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Dylan Bartini, left, and Sadie Brydon throw their hands up in the air while dancing.
Dylan Bartini, left, and Sadie Brydon throw their hands up in the air while dancing. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Russell Ferlita, of Tampa, kisses his 10-year-old daughter, Lucia Ferlita, while she plays games during prom night.
Russell Ferlita, of Tampa, kisses his 10-year-old daughter, Lucia Ferlita, while she plays games during prom night. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Emersyn Southwick participates in a magic trick with a deck of cards.
Emersyn Southwick participates in a magic trick with a deck of cards. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Naomi Wynter, 4, of Ruskin, puts on her glasses, while walking to the dance floor.
Naomi Wynter, 4, of Ruskin, puts on her glasses, while walking to the dance floor. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
John Roush, 7, of Wesley Chapel, reacts as he plays Skee-Ball during prom night.
John Roush, 7, of Wesley Chapel, reacts as he plays Skee-Ball during prom night. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Chase Smith, 6, of Tampa, puts on face paint during prom night.
Chase Smith, 6, of Tampa, puts on face paint during prom night. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
From left, Misael, Jessica and Julian Lebron, of Tampa, react after they put on party decorations.
From left, Misael, Jessica and Julian Lebron, of Tampa, react after they put on party decorations. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Ryder Karppe, 9, of Dade City, receives help from his father, Casey Karppe, with his tie.
Ryder Karppe, 9, of Dade City, receives help from his father, Casey Karppe, with his tie. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
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