ATLANTA—At 17, TaNesha Lucas was looking forward to everything that a high school senior at the top of her class might expect.

The Washington High School student was ready to enjoy her senior activities, work this summer and go off to college.

She didn’t know that a doctor’s appointment for a routine physical to get ready for college would turn her world upside down.

Lucas learned that she had cervical cancer—Stage 2—and would need emergency surgery to prevent the cancer from progressing.

The surgery in March was successful.

Like a fairy tale with a happy ending, she attended her senior prom on April 30, courtesy of radio station’s V-103’s Elle Duncan, who announced that she was looking for a real life “Cinder-Elle-A” to help.

“God is so good. He put us with some good people to encourage us and help make her prom really special,” said mom, Tamika Lucas. “She tried to be strong for me, but I know she was afraid. You just don’t expect to have to go through something like this when you’re 17.”

Lynn Harris, who works with Tamika Lucas at a podiatrist office in Lithonia, wrote to Duncan to tell her about TaNesha’s medical ordeal.

The Enchanted Closet prom dress organization helped make her evening one she would never forget.

The teen received an evening gown, make-up, a gift card for dinner, $150 and a limousine ride to the big dance, which was held at the Melia Hotel in downtown Atlanta.

TaNesha said a Rolls Royce picked up her and her date.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving,” Harris said. “She is really a special girl.”

As a graduate in the top 10 percent of her class, TaNesha was a member of the National BETA Club.

She also was a member of Washington High School’s dance club and served as softball trainer.
“She remained active in school, while holding down a part-time job at McDonald’s. I’m very proud of her,” Tamika Lucas said of her daughter.

TaNesha said she plans to attend Albany State University, where she will study mathematics. She wants to become an actuary.