TEEN DIES OF CANCER JUST MONTHS AFTER HER PROM. THEN ONE OF HER FRIENDS ASKS IF SHE CAN HAVE THE DRESS
Prom is such a thrilling milestone for any teenager. There are so many exciting things to look forward to: picking a date, getting dressed up, planning dinner and the limo, and of course, the dance!
For 16-year-old Catherine Malatesta, her junior prom was of the utmost importance for one tragic reason. Catherine was being treated for stage 4 cancer, and was worried that she wasn’t even going to make it to her prom.
She was first diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma in the winter before prom, when she discovered a tumor growing under her armpit. Sadly, the cancer quickly spread to her lungs and spine.
The young girl was released from the hospital just the day before the dance, and she was feeling frail, but determined.
Catherine got all dressed up in a lovely blue gown and spend the entire night celebrating with her friends. Her mother, Jennifer Goodwin, recalls Catherine saying that it was the first time in awhile that she actually felt beautiful. “It was such a lovely moment and I was so happy that she felt like that for one day. It was a special, special night for all of us.” Jennifer said.
Tragically, just a few days after that special night, Catherine was admitted back into the hospital for her condition. She passed away about 2 months later.
To honor Catherine’s memory, 4 of her close friends have promised to wear her beautiful blue prom dress to their own proms, something that Jennifer calls “simple, yet powerful”.
The group is comprised of 2 girls from Catherine’s hometown, and 2 others that she met at camp. Their tribute has come to be known as the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Prom Dress”.
“For these girls, it means more to them to have their friend with them than it does to have the latest dress. It symbolizes their strong friendships, and the sisterhood...Catherine was part of the sisterhood. They loved her dearly.” Jennifer said.
Catherine’s mother is extremely honored by her daughter’s friends’ gesture.
It has been extremely emotional for her each time, seeing a new girl in the dress, but also an amazing moment, knowing that her daughter is with them all.
“For a parent who has lost a child, the hardest part is you think people are going to forget about them. It’s important for the parent to keep that spirit alive. The fact that this group of girls wants to do this on their own just helps me to grieve and helps me to move forward.”
The emotions ran high for each of Catherine’s friends as well.
“l definitely felt her with me the whole time and it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. It’s an extra memory of her that I have to hold on to." said Catherine’s friend Jillian, who wore the gown to her senior prom.
What a beautiful, powerful gesture done by this group of girls to honor their wonderful friend. It is so inspiring to see the kindness that truly comes forward after such a tragic loss.
Catherine’s passing will always be hard for her friends and family, but we’re sure it gives them peace to see her memory live on through her beautiful gown.
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