Special events create opportunities for your child and family to celebrate milestones and spend time together. These take place at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and around the New York area, raising awareness for childhood cancers and funding for MSK Kids, the pediatric program at MSK. 

Spring Prom

Patient Stella T. (left) and her sister and patient Max T. (third from left) and his brother show off their Prom threads.

(From left) Pediatric Day Hospital Medical Director Farid Boulad, Physician-in-Chief José Baselga, and pediatric oncologist Paul Meyers enjoy the celebration.

Olivia L. busts a move on the dance floor.

Many patients enjoy getting their picture taken with family or friends at the photo booth. Shown here: Simirah R. and her mother.

The Blues Brothers (patient Jad S. and his friend) make a cameo appearance at the Prom.

Spring Prom is one of the most exciting days of the year in our Department of Pediatrics. Family members, friends, and staff join together to celebrate with our patients. This spectacular event is filled with anticipation, glitter, cameras, gowns, music, and magic, thanks to the generosity of The Children’s Committee and The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

As at every great prom, our Pediatrics Spring Prom crowns its kings and queens – both patients and staff members – although every participant gets treated like royalty. This is a prom like every other, with a DJ spinning tunes, balloons galore, thrones for our kings and queens, and banquet tables lined with kids’ favorite foods.

Pediatric Convocation

Each year, many of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s former and current pediatric patients graduate from high school or earn their GED. Beginning in 2007, Memorial Sloan Kettering has celebrated this milestone at our annual Pediatric Convocation celebration.

See highlights from the 2017 Pediatric Convocation at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

SIBS Program

Our Specially Important Brothers and Sisters (SIBS) program is designed to recognize and celebrate the important role siblings play in the lives of our young patients. The program also aims to help patients’ brothers and sisters better understand their siblings’ hospital experiences through role-playing and other activities. Our SIBS events take place throughout the year on school holidays and during summer months. Here are some strategies to support you as you support your children. 

How You Can Get Involved

Yankees Universe

The New York Yankees support MSK Kids patient care, research, and education through the New York Yankees Universe fund. MSK Kids receives proceeds generated through the fan club when you make a donation or purchase a Yankees Universe T-shirt. You can also join Yankees Universe today. 

Cycle for Survival

Cycle for Survival is the movement to beat rare cancers. Founded in 2007, Cycle for Survival raises money for rare cancer research at MSK through team stationary-cycling events.   

Fred’s Team

Fred’s Team is MSK’s running program. Fred’s Team runners worldwide add meaning to their miles by raising money for the cancer research area of their choice.  

Fred’s Team is the primary supporter of the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research, named after Fred’s Team runner and pediatric cancer survivor Aubrey Barr. Since 1997, the Aubrey Fund has been advancing new studies and clinical trials at MSK Kids.