Dying girl crowned prom princess

Sunday, July 24, 2016
APPLETON, WI (KTRK) -- We first met Jerika Bolen earlier this week as she prepared for her prom.

Bolen suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, a painful genetic disease that prevents her from using her muscles. Next month, she plans to stop the medical treatments that help keep her alive.
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As Bolen approaches the end of her life, her friends and local businesses teamed up to throw Bolen the prom that she will never get to experience -- and the event exceeded even her greatest expectations.



"It makes my heart explode it's so crazy that people want to come for little old me," Bolen told WFRV-TV.

Decked out in a gown fit for a princess, Bolen arrived at the dance in a limo escorted by local police.
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"We took a long route so she could enjoy it," Appleton Police Chief Todd Thomas said. "To support her before she goes."



Bolen and her mother enjoyed a prom court dance of sorts as Bolen proudly flashed her "Prom Princess" sash.

"I know my daughter is watching over. Jerika is excited meet my daughter," said Corey Mars, a party attendee who lost his daughter to spinal muscular atrophy.
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