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Subscribe to RSSLisa Gulya of the Grand Forks Herald writes:
Morgan Hayes is preparing for prom like countless other teen girls this spring: finding a date, trying on dresses, picking out flowers and selecting styles for hairdos and manicures.
But Morgan, 15, will attend prom earlier than most. Although a sophomore, she’s going to the junior-senior prom Saturday at her high school in Langdon, N.D.
Eric Hylden / Grand Forks Herald via AP
Morgan Hayes stands on a platform as her mom, Julie, puts the finishing touches on her prom dress during a fitting in Fargo, N.D, March 31. Celebrations are coming early for Morgan because she is battling two types of cancer, cancer so advanced that treatments ceased March 16.
It’s a privilege secured for her by persistent family, friends and an understanding principal. For Morgan, prom will be a speeded-up celebration, like her 16th birthday, which her family marked on a Caribbean cruise in mid-March. Her birthday is June 2.
Celebrations are coming early for Morgan because she is battling two types of cancer, cancer so advanced that treatments ceased March 16. The cruise, donated by Carnival Cruise Lines, and the chance to attend prom are wishes granted by generous friends and strangers.
“I know it sounds silly in the light of what we stand to lose, but mammas have dreams for their little girls…prom, graduation, college, marriage, babies…” wrote Morgan’s mother, Julie Agnes, on her daughter’s CaringBridge website. “We know that these dreams will most likely not be obtainable, but to those of you who are going that extra step to try to make prom a reality (…) Thank you and we love you!”
Morgan’s take on prom is more concise. Asked what she is most looking forward to Saturday night, Morgan says, “Being a normal kid.”
Leave a Comment:
Morgan's parents and Morgan are doing the right thing in my opinion. No one is guaranteed a long life. Enjoy what you can and experience as much as you can. Have no regrets.
I hope she had an incredible time - memorable for both her and her family and friends. How wonderful that her school and classmates worked to give her this gift.
God bless you! I finished my radiation today for breast cancer (following months of chemo). My God Bless you, you are in my prayers.
I'm thinking "what a courageous young girl"! God Bless.
Great story... have a wonderful time!
God Bless you young angel.
You are beautiful.
Saying my prayers for your health and that you will have the time of your life!!!!
You are sooooo strong...and keep being strong.
Try and stay strong and enjoy every little tinsy thing......that's what I have been doing!
go girl:)!!!!!!
Wow what a story and what a beautiful young lady. Have fun at prom! You certainly deserve it.
God bless to those of you who are praying for my daughter. She is beautiful and will have an awesome time at prom...the cancer is raging inside of her full force but we are not giving up and continue to pray for a Miracle4Morgan.
I am the mother to this beautiful young girl and I would like to thank those that are praying for our daughter. We continue to have faith that this cancer that is raging inside of her will be somehow cured...she needs a miracle and that is our motto...Miracle4Morgan.
Wow...what a dress!!! She'll be the belle of the ball. My most wonderful high school memory is of the prom...enjoy every moment.
This child and her dress and hat should put any so called "celebrity to shame with what they wear. Now this is beautiful, child, mother, and dress. God bless.
God Bless you our sweet child and angel. Have the most wonderful time thank you for showing how strong and brave you are!
She is simply beautiful! Have fun, Sweetie!
I hope Morgan and her family and friends have a fantastic time. Make a memory of every minute. Me and my family will be praying for her and hers. This bittersweet moment makes us all take time to be thankful.
God bless you all
May God Bless you and your family Morgan. At the age of 55 I was was fortunate enough to receive a heart transplant. God still performs miracles. I pray that God gives you a miracle. Enjoy every single moment that you have on this earth. May Comfort and Joy follow you all your days.
May God Bless you and your family Morgan. God still performs miracles. At the age of 55 I received a heart transplant. I will be taking many meds for the rest of my life. However, this is a small price to pay for the joy
of an extended life. I am able to watch my grandchildren grow and become young men and women.
May Comfort snf Joy follow you all your days here on earth.
Be strong and live each moment with pride and joy. Your miracle will come, if not here on earth then in Heaven.
Beautiful and brave sweet girl! You are an inspiration to many. Hope you have a wonderful time at the party, and may God bless you and your family always.
Kids just want to have fun and be "normal" - way to take charge, Morgan! Best wishes!
God Bless you Morgan. You are a model for courage, bravery and hope. Wishing you the best time at the prom. Stay strong. We are all behind you for support.
Morgan, you awesome girl, you are in my heart and prayers. Have a wonderful night tonight. And family- I send you my best wishes of joy and love. God bless!
dear morgan; don`t give up, our god is an awesome god. you are in my prayers.
My little girl just finished 152 rounds of chemo , we had to stop there as to keep her bone marrow safe , she had undifferanted sarcoma very rare and very deadly , a few times i thought she would not make it , but prayers i know so helped , so i will start a prayer chain for her , as i hope all the ones who left a comment will to , just make sure she dances like no ones watching , all eyes will of course be upon her , what a gift ,
From one survivor to another - YOU GO GIRL !!! Love the hat !!! (I'm 70)
This is the reason why more stem cell research is needed so that kids can grow up too live a long and fullfilling life of experience instead of being let to die by the religious right just so they can twist their mentally retarded notion for reason's why people die around the planet.
Let me guess the reason that Ms. Gulya has terminal cancer is because some god wanted her back?
I don't think so.
The reason Ms. Gulya has terminal cancer is because of her cells in her body creating damaged cells that with stem cell research the problem can be cured.
One more disgusting form of capitilism in letting her suffer when the research is before us to cure her.