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LUBBOCK, Texas – A Seagraves High School junior who thought she’d miss out on prom this year due to cancer treatment got the surprise of a lifetime when University Medical Center staff brought the celebration to the hospital.
Jasmin Perez, 16, was diagnosed with cancer in early August. She’s spent much of her junior year in and out of treatment, and thought prom wasn’t in the cards.
“I just spent the night laughing with my friends,” Jasmin said.
Thanks to her medical team and a little help from her older brother, Roman, UMC organized a full prom night in less than 72 hours.
“There’s people there that love me and they know I can fight,” she said.
Roman, a senior at Seagraves High, was set to attend his own prom that weekend, but changed course to make sure his sister could be part of it too.
“This was my brother’s last year as a senior,” Jasmin said. “So I just wanted to be there with him. And since I couldn’t go, he made it happen for me here.”
UMC child life specialist Kathleen Igo made some quick calls, gathering decorations, music, all donated by businesses in the community.
“Me and my husband sat back and just enjoyed seeing her smile, laugh,” said Jeannie Perez, Jasmin’s mom. “We sat there and we talked about how we couldn’t believe this was even going to be possible.”
Like any other 16-year-old, Jasmin knew exactly what she wanted to wear.
“I wanted to find a dress that was cute and comfortable for me to wear that night,” she said. “So I decided to make my dress flowy at the bottom and my favorite color thing. So I definitely chose the pink one.”
And her date? Jasmin smiled as she revealed it was her childhood crush, celebrity Justin Bieber. While he wasn’t actually there, they did have a cardboard cutout.
“I just always loved Justin Bieber since I was young, all his songs,” she said. “He was just one of my favorite artists. And I always had a crush on him since I was little.”
Jasmin still has a long recovery ahead, but the special night gave her hope, and something to look forward to.
“My senior prom. I really wish I could make it there,” she said. “And if not, maybe we could have another one here.”
