At the Federico Gomez Children's Hospital in Mexico City, volunteers clad in white and blue nurse uniforms scurry to attend to birthday girls and boys. They curl hair, do makeup, and adjust bow ties. It's all for the hospital's annual 'Mis XV' or 'My Fifteenth' event, celebrating the coming-of-age of teenage patients.
Whether the young patients are battling a serious illness or have overcome cancer, the hospital provides them with an alternative to expensive party celebrations. For families who can't afford to host a traditional quinceaƱera, the hospital steps in to make the day special for the teenagers.
Started in 2017 after volunteer nurses learned of a patient turning 15, the event has become a cherished tradition at the hospital. The celebration allows these young patients to experience the joy of a quinceaƱera despite their medical challenges.
The 'Mis XV' event is a heartwarming example of the community coming together to support and uplift these patients during a significant milestone in their lives.