Acts of Kindness
Community creates a special prom for teen after she’s bullied
Shannon decided to miss prom because of all the bullying she'd experienced. But when word got out - strangers stepped in to give her a night she'll never forget.
Mary Rose Garra
11.01.21

Every high school teen looks forward to prom.

However, not every student can attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

Like in this story of a girl who missed her prom due to bullies.

Pixabay - Stacey Kennedy
Source:
Pixabay - Stacey Kennedy

Shannon Purcifer was bullied for years at school because of her health problems.

The student resides in the English town of Gosport. She has coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Shannon’s condition can cause severe abdominal cramping, pain, diarrhea, and discomfort.

Because she was in and out of the hospital so frequently, the adolescent had to miss many days of school.

Despite her health issues, Shannon was looking forward to her prom night.

She had purchased the perfect $600 gown months in advance.

However, she decided not to attend her school prom because she couldn’t face her bullies.

As a result of her illness, she was often called names, intimidated, and physically assaulted.

In an interview with Inside Edition, Shannon said,

“I was just completely made fun of. It was just obsessing, right? I didn’t really want to feel uncomfortable for the whole night.”

She chose to stay at home, hence she missed the entire prom.

YouTube Screenshot - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Inside Edition

Shannon’s story went viral after her mother, Claire Carstens, shared a photo of her daughter.

Shannon was wearing her stunning prom gown.

According to the Facebook post,

“If Shannon had gone to prom tonight she would of worn this beautiful dress. Thanks to nasty vile bullies shannon decided she didn’t want to go and mix with scum that made her so miserable. For a girl that has had so much to deal with in life….coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, she is one strong young lady with an even stronger mind!! Love you girl 😘😘”

But Shannon and her mother had no idea the Facebook post would reach so many people.

The local bikers picked up on the story of the 16-year-old student.

The people from their community organized a make-up prom for Shannon.

Claire Carstens shared in the interview,

“Everyone was coming out the houses watching wondering what was going on.”

Shannon was escorted by 120 bikers to a prom that had been specially planned for her.

“And it was just so nice to see so many wonderful people all doing this.. I think people have never met before. People that so know it warms their hearts and they’re wanting to make her happy,” Claire said.

Shannon’s mother believes that the best way to defeat bullies is to have great times, and Shannon did just that.

Many people shared their thoughts on Shannon’s special story to remember.

“You go Shannon! I bet your personal prom was way better. You looked stunning”

Another person left a comment saying,

“Awesome 👍😎 Good for those bikers and the community for giving this girl 👧 a prom! I hope every one had lots of fun 😃”

We’re all glad that Shannon had a wonderful prom memory to look back on.

Watch the video below to see the community’s heartwarming deed!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family!

Advertisement