“I’m very excited about that,” the 11-year-old said during an interview Monday afternoon.
She got to pick out her own dress, shoes and even some jewelry for the event. Her dress is dark blue with sequins at the top. She will get her hair, nails and makeup done, too.
“It’s basically a makeover,” she said, smiling.
Morse is one of more than 400 Riley patients, family members and staff gathering Friday at Fairbanks Hall in Indianapolis for the third annual Riley Cancer Center Prom from 5 to 8 p.m.
Before the “main event,” patients and their families will get complimentary hair, make-up and manicure appointments at the “Riley Day Spa.”
On April 12-13, patients and siblings visited the boutique “Promingdales,” where they received personalized shoppers to help them choose their dream outfits. More than 1,000 donated dresses, tuxedos, shoes, purses, jewelry and accessories lines the shelves, according to a Riley press release.
Promingdales and Riley Prom are special events created for oncology patients of all ages within 12 months of treatment, the press release stated. The events are sponsored by Riley Children’s Foundation, Riley Cancer Center and is a special initiative of Women for Riley and Indianapolis businesses.
“Different groups give of their time and resources to help,” Adam Clemens, Alli’s father, said.
A little more than 1-1/2 years ago, according to Adam, Alli was having vision problems. An MRI found she had a tumor around her optic nerves, and the next day Alli was taken to Riley Hospital.
A biopsy was performed, and Alli’s tumor was determined to be benign. Alli also had fluid on the brain, so a shunt was put in a valve. She also had seven weeks of radiation therapy.
“We thought that was going to be it,” Adam said.
He said they were blindsided when they were told in September that Alli would have to start chemotherapy to shrink the tumor down and try to kill the active part of the tumor. If doctors operate, Alli could go blind. She already has vision problems and is learning braille, according to the press release.
Alli goes to Riley every couple of weeks for chemotherapy. Adam says it seems to be working.
“It’s been very hard,” Alli said. “It really has. I’ve been looking at the positive, I’ve been looking at the bright side. I’ve been praying to the Lord that he will heal me, and I know he will.”
Megan Clemens, Alli’s mother, said Alli should be done with chemotherapy by October.
“She’ll be finished with chemotherapy then. Hopefully, that’s it. They’ll do MRIs and follow her closely,” Adam said.
He said Alli has to miss school a lot.
Megan said the prom Friday will include dancing, food “and probably chocolate.” The theme for the prom this year is “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
Surprise guests also are expected, Adam said.
“I’m most looking forward to dancing with my dad,” Alli said.
“We’re looking forward to everything but the drive home,” Adam said. “It’ll be fun for Alli.”
Megan said Alli’s little sister, Caroline, also got a dress for the prom, too.
Megan and Adam also will dress up for the prom.
“We’ll try at least. I think I remember how to tie a tie,” he said.
Patients also voted for their favorite Riley Cancer Center staff as prom king and queen, to be announced Friday. Alli voted for her doctor, Dr. Pradahn, and Nurse Chrissy.
“The doctors and nurses there are very great,” Alli said of Riley. “They’re just really – they take care of you, they know what they’re doing and take care of you.”
“They encourage you, too,” Adam reminded Alli, who agreed.
“They have become like a second family to us,” he said.
“We see them so often, we share stories,” said Megan.
For more information about Riley, visit RileyKids.org
