Ocean City Girl With Arthritis Helping Make Prom Dreams Come True

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Mary Grace Jamison has two goals: give all girls the chance to feel beautiful for Ocean City High School Prom, and raise $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald House of New York.

Jamison, an Ocean City junior, was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 2. She founded the PROMise Parlor. Organization volunteers will style hair and apply makeup for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Elleven Studio Salon in Ocean City.

In return, she asks for donations to RMH-NYC from those who can afford it. You can donate at the door or online. Jamison has already raised $4,260 as of noon Thursday.

Jamison shares a personal connection with RMH-NYC. Up until her freshman year of high school, she was able to participate in her favorite sports and activities: field hockey, dance and track. However, she underwent her first surgery as a freshman in April 2017.

The surgery was unsuccessful. She was told her best chance for recovery would be in New York. So she went to the Hospital of Special Surgery in June for her second surgery. But the surgery would carry a tremendous financial burden for her family. Fortunately for Jamison, she was able to stay at RMH-NYC during her recovery period and for any follow-up visits.

"The staff at the Ronald McDonald House have been a crucial factor to my healing. By being surrounded by a staff dedicated to helping children like me, struggling with pain, recovery, and not being home," Jamison said. "They went over and beyond to create an environment that made me feel as if I were home and connected me with a support group that promotes healing."

See Jamison's video below:

Click here to donate online.

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