Nikita Parthasarathy of La Crescenta was one of the more than 200 teenagers and young adults who dressed to the nines before heading to the 21st Annual Renal Teen Prom on Jan. 19 at the Glendale Hilton. Parthasarathy attended the prom with her older sister Divya. The event, created 21 years ago by Renal Support Network founder and president Lori Hartwell, offers an evening of fun, surprises and friendship for young people ages 14-24 who have had a kidney transplant, are on dialysis or living with chronic kidney disease.

“This year we celebrated a milestone 21st anniversary of the Renal Teen Prom. This event is about creating memories for those who may not have been able to attend their own proms, either because of illness or body image issues,” said Hartwell. “This is a chance for these young people to walk confidently and unashamedly into a welcoming environment where we are celebrating life. Having had a kidney disease since I was 2 years old, and enduring multiple kidney transplants, it is my goal to find the everyday joy in life. This event sparks hope, creates life-long friendships and lets these young people know that they aren’t alone – they have support.”

Parthasarathy added, “At the Renal Teen Prom, I met a lot of new friends who went through the same things I did. I danced and had fun with them. It was also nice to take photos and spend time with my sister.”

Parthasarathy was born in India in 2003 and was adopted by Rajasree and Ramesh Parthasarathy, her parents. She was given a kidney transplant at the age of 3. The surgery took place at the University of Michigan Mott’s Children’s Hospital. She currently receives medical care at UCLA medical center. She is a sophomore at Crescenta Valley High School.