Michael’s Early Prom

The Family Jewels Foundation’s original mission was simple:  Provide college scholarships to local students who have had a sibling with cancer.  Jaimeson Jones himself inspired this mission because when he died from a recurrence of testicular cancer, at age 20, he left behind two sisters, ages 12 and 18, neither with a college fund, because of the financial devastation caused by Jaimeson’s two bouts with cancer.

For the last two years, FJF has been helping three local students pay for their studies at, respectively, Shoreline College, Seattle University, and Western Washington University, thrilled to know that all three of their siblings had no sign of their cancer.  Less than two months ago, that changed.

Michael is 17 years old and a survivor of Ewing’s sarcoma.  After three years in remission, he has relapsed.  He has already completed one course of chemotherapy.  Because of the treatment and its side effects (sickness, compromised immune system), Michael quickly realized that he was going to miss his Senior Prom.  He already had a date, because he and his friend, Allison, had agreed last year to go together.

We here at the Family Jewels Foundation decided to do something about that.  Nancy called the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce and spoke with Kimberly Ellertson, the Director of Marketing, explaining what had happened to her foundation’s Scholar family and that she needed some help from the local business community to arrange an extra special “private prom” for Michael.

Kimberly quickly reached out to Teatro ZinZanni, Butler Seattle limousine, and Woodinville Florist.  All three immediately agreed to help make Michael’s night one to remember.

Oriana at Woodinville Florist made up a beautiful boutonniere and corsage, carefully matched to the colors of Allison’s gown and Michael’s tie.  Julie Campbell of Butler Seattle pulled up in a shiny black 500-series Mercedes sedan, dressed to the nines in a black dress with black boa and fancy hat, holding a sparkly sign and ready to serve Martinelli’s in Champagne glasses to the pair.  Michelle Haines and the entire cast and crew of Teatro ZinZanni pulled out all the stops, providing a private escort, highlighted dance, photo package and a completely thrilling evening for these teens.

Michael and Allison both reported that it was the best night ever, that “it could not have been any better.”  And Michael’s parents and his two older sisters had something to look forward to, be excited about and be distracted by throughout the days leading up to Michael’s Early Prom.

The Family Jewels Foundation will never forget what the Woodinville community did for this young man.  From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU.