Students dress up and danced in support of Angelman syndrome patients at Hall Council’s third annual ball, “A Night with an Angel.”
The dance was held in Twelve Oaks and provided music, refreshments, a photo station and a guest appearance by Jayden L. Williams, a 2-year-old diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. All ticket proceeds and donations will be sent to the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Angelman syndrome and related disorders.
“I think it’s awesome to see so many people here,” said Amanda Williams, Jayden’s mother and Ponchatoula native. “You don’t see a lot of college students knowing about syndromes or seeing children with it, so it’s a great awareness and learning experience. Thank y’all so much for doing this.”
Angelman syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and is characterized by delayed development, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment and difficulty with movements and balance.
According to Amanda, doctors are close to discovering a cure for Angelman syndrome.
“They’ve actually cured the syndrome in mice already,” said Amanda. “They started conducting clinical trials last May. The doctor researching it said that if they get enough funding, they can cure the syndrome in ten years or less.”
Amid loud music and dancing students, Jayden lay sleeping in his mother’s arms.
“We had a great turnout. Unfortunately Jayden had to go home a little early because he wasn’t feeling well,” said Aryn Bunch, vice president of Hall Council.
The festively-decorated room quickly filled with donors. Jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish pasta and drinks were served.
“I think it’s a good cause, and it’s an excuse to pull out all the prom dresses from the back of my closet,” said Kacie Krulisky, a junior math education major. “The cheaply priced tickets helped encourage people to come.”
Many students commented on the need for more advertisement of the prom and the cause being supported.
“It would be better to see more of where the money is going instead of everyone just coming in and having fun. It’d be nice if they promoted more of the back story of Jayden,” said Maleah Oliver, a sophomore early education major.
While the amount of funds raised has yet to be calculated, Bunch considered the turnout to be successful.
“It’s difficult to tell at this point, but a lot of people have been putting money in the donation box,” said Bunch. “I would say we did a very good job raising money for a fundraiser. I can’t wait for next year’s prom.”