FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WHDH) — Teen patients at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Fort Lauderdale got treated to their own prom Friday night.

Dozens of former and current patients between the ages of 13 and 19 were invited to the big party.

“It’s been really hard for them to miss these big events in their life and it’s hard enough as it is being a teenager in the hospital but to miss these events that you really look forward to your whole life, you know growing up, it can be very hard for them,” said certified child life specialist Shannon Bajwa.

The hospital filled the room with balloons and hired a caricature artist to draw pictures of the guests. The party was sponsored by Hooters, who sent some of their employees to the hospital to party with the teens.

Before the party, the girls were treated to makeovers and manicures before getting dressed up.

“It’s an amazing hospital,” said one of the attendees. “The staff is outstanding, they welcome you, they make you feel like family.”

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