Prom for 100 children with Cancer

My name is Arnitra, the mother of Nigel who was diagnosed with AML Leukemia Jan 2015'. Nigel was 15 yrs old in the 10th grade taking all honors courses. When Nigel was diagnosed the doctors said if he didn't start chemo the next day he would die in one week. Nigel started intense chemo inpatient for 28 days each admission for 6 months @ Sinai Pediatric Hospital. Nigel went into remission in July 2015 but quickly relapsed 2 months later. This meant the cancer was more aggressive and he needed more chemo and hair loss all over again!!! Nigel was admitted back into Sinai Oct-Dec 2015'. The doctors said Nigel's only hope to survive would be to get a bone marrow transplant. Nigel's siblings were tested but, they were not a match so, my family and I sponsored 3 bone marrow drives with (Be the Match) but, we had no luck. Nigel was referred to Duke Pediatric Hospital, NC to see if he qualified for a cord blood transplant (stem cells from a mother's umbilical cord). Nigel's Dad and I went for a consultation and found out he could receive a transplant but, we were in for another long haul.. We would have to move in Jan 2016'for 6 months to NC and Nigel would have a 60% survival rate. He had already been through the fire with loss of sight, 3 PICU visits, sepsis and neutropenia throughout all of his admissions. All we had was prayer and many tears left at this point. We felt like why is this happening to our family again because, we had loss our 1st child. Nigel was now in the 11th grade (honors classes) still on Home & Hospital trying to keep his grades up while vomitting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fevers, and body pain and sipping on chemo through a tube in his chest for treatment. I had not worked for 18 months to be by Nigel's bedside and Dad would have to take a leave of absence for 6 months (for transplant) in addition we had two other children 4 & 6 yrs old. This situation was very difficult because, both children were in school with other children who seemed to be sick all the time. We had to separate visitations so, Nigel would remain germ free. Nigel had to get more chemo and radiation before he received the transplant. This was terrible to Dad & I but Nigel never once complained throughout his whole process. Nigel received a double cord (non-related) bone marrow transplant Jan 2016'. At first he was doing ok but, his health start failing quickly. The body pains, loss of appetite, high fevers made Nigel have to fight hard. He said having the transplant felt like having the flu 20 times worse. Everyday Nigel had to try to walk so, he would not lose muscle or get sicker than he already was. Some days he could and other days he said I can't I'm too weak. Dad and I did everything to try to help strengthen Nigel's body and spirit but, he let us know "I'm going to beat this". Everyday we thought looking at him physically is he going to make it but, in our spirit we always believed he would pull through. God had worked a miracle 6 long months and Nigel was cancer free with 100% donor cells. The doctors said they have never seen a child who did not need a feeding tube, no mouth sores and was able to eat. Nigel said he wanted to live!!! We journeyed back to Maryland in June 2016 but, Nigel wasn't out of the woods. He had to remain out of the sun so, he would not get GVHD, clinic visits 3xs per week and making sure his port didn't get infected. Nigel had many medicines to keep him stable and often times the doctors had to change the dosage. All Nigel wanted to do is be a normal teen-go to school, play sports and drive a car. He missed so many milestones in life that the average person cherishes as childhood memories. Most of the time he just remembers being sick. This is Nigel's senior year and he has already missed 2 months of school due to bring immunosuppressed.The doctors said they would allow him to attend school if his counts were good and he agreed to wear a mask, clean his desk, sit in the corner of the classroom, leave early to avoid the crowd and take the elevator instead of the stairs. Nigel agreed to everything but, some how his port got infected recently. This was very serious and Nigel stayed in the hospital for 11 days receiving antibiotics around the clock. Nigel said he felt like he was in prison again. Every time he gets admitted to the hospital he can never leave his room because, he is at risk for infection.
I just wanted to share Nigel's story which is so similar to others we have met along the way. The reality is some children don't survive. Nigel had 6 children that started treatment with him that all passed away in 2016', So many children will never leave the hospital, go back to school or be able to celebrate milestones with their friend. This is why I have started "Nigel's Neighborhood"so, we can give back to children who are battling with Cancer. My 1st endeavor is to have a prom for 100 children with Cancer. this April 2017!!!. The children will come from John Hopkins, University of Maryland, Georgetown, DC Children's and Sinai Hospital. This prom is the very 1st of its kind in Maryland and we truly want it to be a "Night to remember", where a kid can be a kid.
I really need help with cost so, it can be a free event for the kids and their parent escort. Would you help me to bring 100 smiles to children who often where a frown due to pain?
Your contribution will help provide the venue, catered food, decorations, photographer, photo booth, favors, souvenir book, transportation from all of the hospitals,, limo service for prom king/queen and a medical triage area staffed with Doctors and Nurses so, every child remains safe while away from the Hospital.
I can't do this alone please help me.
In giving 100 smiles to the children I hope Nigel will continue to share his strength and courage to let someone know..you can make it!!! I am praying that one person could donate the full amount (Lebron James, Oprah, Ellen, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Will & Jada Smith,)).etc.
I am believing God for a miracle..no contribution is too small.
Please help me make this happen
Humbly submitted,
Arnitra