Teen prepares for prom as she prepares to die

APPLETON, WI (KTRK) -- A teenage girl in Wisconsin will have what could be her last dance this Friday.

Jerika Bolen suffers from a painful genetic disease that prevents her from using her muscles. And next month, she plans to stop the medical treatments that help keep her alive, station WBAY reports.

The 14-year-old will have her prom first.

Jerika said, "I'll be able to see all of my family and meet new people and say hi to everyone there. And it's going to be filled with happiness."

After hearing the teen's story and her wish to have a prom, businesses have come together to make sure Jerika's last dance is everything she wants it to be.

Sue Lamers, of The Grand Meridian, said, "Jerika herself is so excited about this. This is something she wants and we certainly love to help out the community and her mother is wanting to make this a very special event for her and we want to be part of that."

It's a community collaboration that's not just for Jerika, but those who've been affected by her story as well.

For more on her story, watch the full report in the video player above.

Lisa Grassman, of Wedding Perfect which has also donated items to the event, said, "She just touched my heart. And she's just such a strong soul and I want to give back to her."