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Open Heart Magic Open Heart Magic
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Mission Statement
To use the power of magic and laughter to energize and strengthen seriously ill children in Chicago area hospitals and aid their healing. To reach young patients one-by-one regardless of their disease, medical situation or physical ability so that all children may benefit from this engaging and entertaining therapy. To help sick kids in hospitals get their magic back.
Description
Open Heart Magic (OHM) is a Chicago based 501(c)(3) Children's Foundation that brings hope to children struggling in hospitals, reinvigorating their youthful enthusiasm and helping them get better.
Our specially trained volunteer hospital magicians visit children and teens in pediatrics one-by-one and use magic as a tool to interest, actively engage and empower kids trying to deal with their situations and their negative feelings associated with their illnesses and hospital stays. The power of the interaction creates feelings of being special, reengages their curiosities, and gives them a greater sense of control not only from creating the magic with the magician but also from learning a magic trick, something that even their doctors do not know how to do.
In 2015, one-on-one Bedside Magic reached over 9,400 kids at their hospital bedsides.
Open Heart Magic currently partners with :
- Rush Children's Hospital
- Lurie Children's Hospital
- University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital
- Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn
- Evanston Hospital
- Advocate Children's Hospital - Park Ridge
- Central DuPage Hospital
- Northwest Community Hospital
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
- Alexian Brothers Women & Children's Hospital
- C.S. Mott Children's Hospital (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH)
Website
Donations
Open Heart Magic accepts donations. Donate Now.
Reviews
8 reviews
Would you recommend Open Heart Magic?
by Bryanna H.
(2015-07-20 17:12:39.0)
I want other people to help out as well
by Nader S.
(2012-01-15 13:55:56.0)
I think it's safe to say that almost everyone remembers seeing a magician when they were young...and without a doubt, it was a fond memory! OHM is so great because it provides the opportunity to create those lifelong memories, and at a time when kids need it the most.
I've been a bed-side magician for almost 4 years now, and I know without a doubt that I'll be doing this for the rest of my life. The organization is filled with fun, energetic, passionate and committed people, and continues to grow with energetic individuals, helping us bring joy to more and more children each year.
by John K.
(2016-03-11 15:21:39.0)
I've never been a volunteer with an organization that provides as much support for its volunteers. While Open Heart Magic provides an even greater amount of appreciation for the work you do, the real appreciation comes from the children and families you meet. The magic isn't in the deck of cards you'll carry, or the handful of foam bunnies you'll have in your pocket, but in the way you'll empower these kids to perform a little magic of their own. I've been involved with Open Heart Magic for almost six years, and have been a magician for more than five. It's an amazing, selfless experience that continues to reward.
by Eric S.
(2012-01-13 08:02:58.0)
I never would have guessed that something as simple as a few magic tricks in a hospital room could have such a tremendous impact. Being able to provide smiles and laughter for a child and their family, in an environment where those are usually hard to come by, leaves me not only feeling great about being involved but also leaving me wanting to do more.
I feel that by volunteering with Open Heart Magic I have been able to make a difference in kids' lives when it is at it's toughest. Nobody enjoys being in the hospital, kids most of all, and by giving just a few hours of my time I'm able to let them forget where they are or why they're there.
Volunteering has quickly become the highlight of my week, and I always look forward to when it's my week to go perform bedside magic.
by Jed S.
(2012-01-13 07:44:54.0)
I have been a lawyer for 35 years. It has been very rewarding. But nothing compares to the reward of bringing joy to children and their families at the hospital by performing magic and teaching the child how to perform magic too. All day long doctors, nurses, technicians and others come into the child's room to test,examine, prod and diagnose. I come in with the simple greeting,"Hi, my name is Jed. I am an Open Heart magician. Want to see some magic?" Their eyes light up. For a few minutes in their day magic is the focus of their life. And the their smiles heal the worries of their mothers and fathers. I have performed card and coin tricks since childhood. Nothing compares with the joy of giving the gift of magic to a child and his/her family.