High Schoolers Hold Dance At Hospital For Sick Classmate

High school classmates help organize a senior dance for a sick classmate battling cancer.

19-year-old Ilijah Barron is a senior at Liverpool High School in upstate New York. Two years ago, he was a normal student and even played on the varsity football time. But all of that changed when Ilijah started to notice a pain in his legs.

After multiple tests, doctors found a tumor in the young man’s leg. Ilijah was diagnosed with a bone cancer called osteosarcoma. His entire life changed. Before his diagnosis, Ilijah was planning on going to the annual senior prom.

Unfortunately, he found himself in the hospital two days before the ball. That’s when his mother came up with the idea to bring the dance to her son. Along with a group of classmates and hospital workers, Ilijah’s mother transformed the 11th floor of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital into a beautiful dance.

There was music, a photo booth and even a catered dinner. The students donned their tuxes and gowns to help Ilijah celebrate his senior prom in an amazing way. The incredible surprise touched this young man and even brought on a few tears.

Shortly after the hospital prom, Ilijah stood up and walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma. This inspiring young man isn’t letting his cancer keep him down and it’s such an incredible moment to witness.

It’s such a blessing to know that Illijah has an amazing support system behind him. We will continue to pray for Ilijah and his entire family as they face this battle.