PC’s Karley Welborn attends St. Jude prom

Karley Welborn was pronounced in remission from Burkitt lymphoma in December 2014, but that special day has not marked the end of her connection with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she received treatment. Karley, a sophomore at Phil Campbell High School, returns to St. Jude every six months for check-ups – where, more than two years later, everything continues to show positive results – but in mid-April she got the chance to return to Memphis for a more fun occasion.

For the second year, Karley attended the Teen Formal hosted annually by St. Jude for patients and guests. The fancy affair is essentially high school prom for teenagers who have been treated at St. Jude. The hospital allows former patients to attend the formal occasion for two years post-treatment, Karley said.

Girls get the chance to select a free dress during Dress Fest prior to the event, while the boys also enjoy free tux rentals for the special event. Each prom-goers can bring along one guest – Karley invited best friend Maddie Riddle.

For the Rock ‘n’ Soul themed event, Karley glitzed out in a stone-studded black gown, while Maddie glittered in a purple mermaid-style dress. The two were treated to having their hair and make-up done and, once they were all gussied up, “we got to walk down the red carpet (which this year was blue, for the Memphis Blues), and then they took us in a limo to the prom,” Karley recounted. “They have music, prizes, photo booths, everything. So it’s really nice.”

They both said they enjoyed the elegant evening.

“You get to meet new people. That’s the main thing,” Karley said. “We got to meet a few friends, dance and take pictures, and they had good food, of course.”

Although her time at St. Jude represents a time of challenge in Karley’s life, she said the prom is emblematic of all the positive memories she made during her treatment.

“They make the best out of it, and even though I didn’t feel good, they would always have something for you to do and would put a smile on your face,” Karley said. “I enjoy going back because I get to see all my doctors and nurses and friends I had there.”