More than a thousand people turn out for prom of Wisconsin teen choosing to die

Luke Skywalker · Jul 24, 2016

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The Grand Meridian ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with Jerika Bolen, 14, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, at her prom Friday, July 22, in Appleton, Wis.

Jerika Bolen is surrounded by a sea of guests at her prom Friday at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom was packed for the five-hour dance in celebration of Jerika.(Photo: Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

APPLETON, Wis.*— They came from California, Florida, Indiana and points in-between. A*YouTube star made a surprise appearance, members of*a favorite boy band poured their hearts out in a*video message and flowers arrived from around the world.
All for a 14-year-old girl from Appleton, Wis., they had never met.
Jerika Bolen has spinal muscular atrophy type 2. The disease destroys nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle activity, and a lack of movement causes the muscles to waste away.*Jerika has never walked, and she said her pain is*a seven on a scale of one to 10 on her*best days. She can speak and has some movement of her hands, but the disease*—*and the pain*—*are only going to get worse.
Earlier this summer,*with the support of her ever-dedicated mother, Jen, she decided that, while she can still make her desires known, she will be put in Hospice care, unhook her ventilator and die.
USA TODAY
Appleton teen makes heartbreaking decision to die

But first, she wanted her last wish*—*a prom. Dubbed "J's Last Dance," she took to the dance floor*Friday night*as a steady stream of well-wishers flooded into the Grand Meridian ballroom in Appleton to say goodbye to a girl whose attitude in the face of heartbreaking misery has been inspirational.
As she soaked*in Friday's hoopla, her*hair dyed a*shiny*blue and wearing*sparkling lipstick to*complement*her gorgeous greenish*blue gown, Jerika said she was thankful but a bit*perplexed as to why people have*been so deeply moved by her story, which was first reported by The Post-Crescent.
“It’s awesome,” she said of Friday's party. “It’s fun. It’s a lot of people, and they look up to me. It’s kind of scary*because I don’t know what they’re looking up to me for.”
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Jerika Bolen greets guests in the Grand Meridian lobby before her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen sits with her mother Jen Bolen in the limo from their home to the Grand Meridian where Jerika's prom is held Friday, July 22, 2016 in Appleton, Wis. The family had a police escort through town. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed “J’s Last Dance,” the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak. Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Shelby Pascoe and Brittany Bucklan work on Jerika Bolen's hair and makeup before her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Lt. Jeff Miller and Chief Todd Thomas, with the Appleton Police Department, greet Jerika Bolen before giving her a police escort to her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen, goes through the process of picking a tiara before her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen goes through the final stages of hair and makeup before her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Members of the Appleton Police department wait outside Jerika Bolen's home to give her a police escort to her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Flowers sent to Jerika Bolen's prom from a family in Kuwait Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen takes a look at the candy buffet featuring a unicorn at her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen is surrounded by a sea of guests at her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen dances with friend Avianna Akers during her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jen Bolen talks and dances with her daughter Jerika at her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

The cake at Jerika Bolen's prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Alton Olson DJs during Jerika Bolen's Prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen laughs with friends Haley Paradiso, Mackenzie Falck, Avianna Akers and Abby Martinez at her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen has a facetime chat with the band New District during her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

A sign is held up during a performance at Jerika Bolen's prom that reads "#Jerika4PromQueen" Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Richie Giese, who goes by the name Social Repose on YouTube, greets Jerika Bolen at her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. Giese is one of Jerika's idols. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Gifts and items left for Jerika Bolen during her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Guests at Jerika Bolen's prom are silhouetted against a green backdrop during the event Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. Jerika's colors for the prom where green and black The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen eats two pieces of cake at the end of her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Richie Giese, who goes by the name Social Repose on YouTube, reaches out his hand to dance with Jerika Bolen Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. Giese is one of Jerika's idols and Jerika said one of the high points of her prom was meeting him. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.
Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerika Bolen dances with friends Mackenzie Falck, Haley Paradiso, and Avianna Akers during her prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak. Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jen Bolen is hugged by prom guests after the final dance of the night at her daughter Jerika's prom Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. The ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with the 14-year-old Appleton girl who suffers from a terminal illness and is expected to die by the end of summer. Dubbed ÒJÕs Last Dance,Ó the prom was a final wish for Jerika, who has chosen to have her ventilator disconnected at the end of August because the chronic pain from her disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 2, has become overwhelming and the prognosis is bleak.Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin* USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

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The hall was decorated in lime green and black, Jerika's*favorite colors.*The crowd overflowed the*hall, which holds 1,000 people.*A well-stocked candy buffet set up for guests was cleaned out in the first 90 minutes.
Friday was set aside for happiness, and the work to accomplish that goal had begun long*before the disco ball started spinning above the DJ station.
The living room in the Bolen*house, which Jerika shares with her mother, Jen Bolen,*became a makeshift beauty salon on Friday afternoon as Jerika, her mom and several friends had their hair and makeup done.
Jerika*wore a tiara and later added a prom queen sash to the ensemble.
The evening was momentous from the*second Jerika emerged from the house.
Police and firefighters gathered at the curb*and applauded as she maneuvered her power wheelchair to the red carpet and a 28-seat Ford Excursion limousine.
Jerika, friends and family were given an escort fit for presidents with a motorcade of 17 squad cars and a fire truck, all with lights flashing and sirens sounding.
Appleton Police Chief Todd Thomas stepped into the house to offer his best wishes before Jerika*set off.
“We’re just blessed to be able to help out,” Thomas said. “It’s an honor for us, and what an amazing young lady. She makes you appreciate what you have. She makes you think about using your time wisely. She’s making an impact.”
Multiple television crews greeted Jerika at the banquet hall. Floral bouquets set up on a table*inside the Grand Meridian lobby had been ordered*from New York, Washington, Georgia*and*Kuwait, among other distant locales. U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble sent flowers.
John Current, along with his wife and daughter, drove from*Napa, California*— a drive of more than 31 hours and 2,000 miles*—*to celebrate the life of a girl they*hadn’t met before Friday night. They brought a stuffed animal*as a gift for Jerika, a thank you, they said,*for the way she touched*their hearts with her bravery and attitude.
“It’s inspiring, it’s sad and emotional,” Current*said. “It’s the whole thing. She just captivated me.”
The long drive*was worth it*to see her smile, and “out there on the dance floor looking like she’s living life,” he*said.

Jen Bolen talks and dances with her daughter Jerika at her prom Friday at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis.*(Photo: Danny Damiani/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Pain medications have taken their toll on Jerika, and the prognosis is that her body will soon*lose the little function it has. She told her mother*that it is time to die. But first, they agreed, there would be one more summer. And Jerika, a tech-savvy teen with a punk attitude and*a love of alternative music,*had a final wish*— a special prom, a dance party for friends and family to dress in their "fancy" clothes and celebrate one more time.
The family established a GoFundMe page to raise $25,000*to pay for the prom and to offset expenses in Jerika's final days. The fund had stalled at $7,000 until a story, video and photos about Jerika*from USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin drew attention around the world a little more than a week ago. The fund has now surpassed $33,000.
When Jerika is placed in hospice care in late August, she’ll go without the ventilator that assists her breathing for 12 hours a day.*She said she’s at peace with her decision, but worries*about leaving her mom*behind to grieve.
So Jerika’s first dance on Friday went to her mother.
Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes” poured from the loud speakers as Jen took her daughter’s hand.
Jen leaned in close and said, “I hope this is the best night of your life.”
How could it not be?
It followed a*day full of surprises.
On Friday morning, two large flower bouquets arrived at their home as a gift from the California boy band*New District. The band*also recorded a video message to Jerika that was played on a big screen during the prom, and moments after, they engaged Jerika in a brief video chat.
Richie Giese, one of Jerika’s favorite YouTube celebrities, dropped in as the biggest surprise of the*night.*The electro pop performer, who goes by the name Social Repose, flew in from Washington, D.C., and arrived at the hall in*full costume, which includes a feather headdress and white face paint. They shared a dance together and later stepped out into the quiet to talk privately.
Giese said he, too, was*inspired by Jerika’s story. When learning she was a fan who had hoped*to one day*video chat with him, he knew he could do better.
“I thought, ‘Let’s just go all the way. I might as well make her day,’” Giese said. “Let’s just push this over the edge.”
Other visitors to Friday's prom*said they simply felt a need to be there to*support*Jerika.
Margaret Norby, a junior at Appleton's Lawrence University, arrived with her*boyfriend, Jackson Straughan, an LU senior.*Norby had earlier reached out to the Bolens asking how she might help and had agreed to purchase corsages for the occasion*—*though*the florist later told her they were on the house.
Norby said she was moved by Jerika’s attitude in spite of her heartbreaking condition.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” she said. “She has a situation and an outlook that not everybody has. She has wisdom, and she’s not apologetic about who she is.”
For Jerika, the prom was at times*overwhelming.
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TERMINALLY ILL WISCONSIN TEEN MAKES DECISION TO DIEMeet Jerika, the 14-year-old who has chosen hospice: part 1 | 0:27Jerika Bolen, 14, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, has decided to go on hospice and live out her final wishes over the summer including having a prom July, 22, 2016, at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis.

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TERMINALLY ILL WISCONSIN TEEN MAKES DECISION TO DIEMeet Jerika, the teen who will enter hospice this summer: part 2 | 0:21Jerika Bolen, 14, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, has decided to go on hospice and live out her final wishes over the summer including having a prom July, 22, 2016, at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis.

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TERMINALLY ILL WISCONSIN TEEN MAKES DECISION TO DIEMeet Jerika, the terminally ill teen who "just wants to be happy": part 3 | 0:32Jerika Bolen, 14, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, has decided to go on hospice and live out her final wishes over the summer including having a prom July, 22, 2016, at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis.

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TERMINALLY ILL WISCONSIN TEEN MAKES DECISION TO DIEJerika Bolen fills the house for prom | 1:06The Grand Meridian ballroom, which holds 1,000 people, was packed as well-wishers flooded in throughout the night to celebrate with Jerika Bolen, 14, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, at her prom Friday, July 22, in Appleton, Wis.

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TERMINALLY ILL WISCONSIN TEEN MAKES DECISION TO DIEJerika's last dance | 2:20Jerika Bolen, 14, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, has decided to go on hospice and live out her final wishes over the summer including having a prom July, 22, 2016, at the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wis. Damiel Damiani, The (Appleton, Wis.) Post-Crescent

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USA TODAY
Support floods in for Appleton teen

The size of the crowd and the constant flow of guests stepping over to grab*selfies*got*to be too much*for Jerika on a few occasions. She’d retreat outdoors or to the restroom in the company of her nurses to the let the stress settle before heading back to the dance floor.
MacKenzie Falck, 13, couldn't help but feel sad*as the prom neared its final hour. She*became friends with Jerika during elementary school and said their bond is*deeper than friendship. She feels like family.
“I know she’ll be with me,” MacKenzie*said. “She’ll be an angel and she’ll look over me, because that’s what friends do, right?”
Jerika's mother, meanwhile, stood in awe at the outpouring of support that has come her daughter's way in the past week, highlighted by Friday's turnout for the prom.
“It’s a celebration of her life, you know?” Jen said. “It was more than anybody could ever want or wish for*—*just a lot of love.”
But as midnight arrived and the lights went on and the*banquet hall began to empty,*Jen's emotions began to crack. The reality of what's to come began to settle in. Prom planning had helped take her*mind off her*daughter's coming death. Now what?
“I’m really trying hard not to fall apart right now,” Jen said.
“I have to be strong for her."
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Jerika Bolen, 14, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, has decided to go on hospice and live out her final wishes over the summer including having a prom July, 22, 2016, at the Grand Meridian in Appleton.

Jim Collar: 920-996-7206 or[email protected].; on Twitter @JimCollar*

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More than a thousand people turn out for prom of Wisconsin teen choosing to die

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