14-year-old Tennessean Katelyn Norman had a dream of attending her school’s prom.
She was making her way to do just that but the terminally ill teen, who suffers from an aggressive form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, began having difficulty breathing and was rushed back to Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
Just last week, Katie received the devastating news that her cancer had been spreading and that, in her own words, “It’s the beginning of the end of my days.” The dance was to be held in her honor but she insisted that her fellow classmates enjoy the evening without her. Faced with this proposition, many of the folks in her hometown decided that wasn’t good enough and brought the prom to her.
Inside her hospital room family and friends gathered for a personalized celebration. Her date regaled her with a “Prom Queen” sash and a corsage like a true southern gentlemen should.
Back at the school dance, which had been themed “Katie In the Sky With Diamonds” in her honor, Mayor William Bailey officially declared Tuesday “Katelyn Norman Day.” In addition, hundreds of people took to the streets of Campbell County to hold a vigil for their friend and neighbor.
Photos: Michael Dayah
