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KP Oakland CNE Pavna Sloan, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC with KP member and event volunteer Hayley Nance.
KP Oakland CNE Pavna Sloan, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC with KP member and event volunteer Hayley Nance.
Exemplary Professional Practice

A “Starry Night” created for pediatric patients

The KP Oakland Medical Center hosted a prom for teens who may have missed this high school rite of passage due to their illnesses.

On September 22, 2025, a Starry Night themed pediatric prom gave teens a chance to experience prom and bond with others who might have missed theirs because of various medical issues. The event attracted about 50 patients and their guests from all over the East Bay. It was the first such prom at Oakland Medical Center since 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to the yearly event.

The party was for pediatric patients who are living with various chronic conditions, such as sickle cell disease or cancer. Event participants were treated to professional hair, nails, and makeup. They had hundreds of dresses, suits, and jewelry to choose from and keep. The room was filled with over 1,000 balloons, a dance floor, and photo booth. A DJ and the Golden State Warriors dancers were there to help prime the party pump.

About 15 Kaiser Permanente staff members spent 6 months planning the event that included 70 volunteers working the day of the prom. Volunteers included clinical nurses, physicians, and other staff.