Mandi Alto, a senior at Eveleth Gilbert High School, never thought she'd go to prom. At 13, she was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. She's now in remission, but still faces some major health problems. Mandi has never been on a vacation, only trips to the hospital. That's about to change.

Here's what happened. Back in 2004, she was at the Mayo hospital in Rochester, and found a group called Comedy Cures on the internet. It was founded by a cancer survivor, named Saranne Rothberg. The goal is to use laughter as medicine, for many ill people around the country. The two began a pen pal relationship. Recently Mandi asked Saranne what to do about prom, and how to pick a nice dress. Saranne has gathered her forces, and has created an experience like no other for Mandi out in New York City.  She's gotten a designer dress fitting, full makeover and accessory donation, and many other extras, including a Broadway show and dinner, lined up for Mandi.

Mandi's stepmother Chris is going along, on the 26-hour whirlwind trip. She's thrilled to be seeing this happen for Mandi. They leave on Wednesday morning.

The Altos definitely deserve something great. Darin Alto was diagnosed with cancer the same time as Mandi, and has lost his mother to the disease. "It melts my heart," he said when talking about the upcoming prom experience.

Mandi calls it her Cinderella moment. Her prom is April 26th. She's going with her long-time boyfriend, who is also excited about the whole experience. We'll have more on Mandi's trip to New York, later this month.

For more information on Comedy Cures:

http://www.comedycures.org/