Open Heart Magic

Our Mission is to use the therapeutic power of magic and laughter to energize and strengthen seriously ill children in Chicago area hospitals, and aid their healing. We strive 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.

Open Heart Magic (OHM) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Chicago-based organization founded in 2003. Our personalized interactions help children feel special, more confident and empowered during a scary and stressful time. By inviting them to be a part of the interaction, we energize kids and help them find the strength they need to heal.Our Hospital Magicians offer more than just “a show.” They work one-on-one with children, using magic as a means to encourage participation, engage the imagination, and help these kids find their own sense of confidence and mastery as they learn to perform the tricks for their doctors, families and friends. The powerful effects of their laughter speak for themselves.

Who We Serve

Because our Bedside Magic performances are personalized and interactive, we’re able to work with kids of all ages, regardless of physical or developmental restrictions. We offer support to kids who are in for a one-time ER visit, as well as patients undergoing long-term treatment for conditions such as pediatric cancer, childhood diabetes, heart problems, and pediatric heart transplants. Our performances also benefit the parents and siblings of these patients, who are experiencing the stress and uncertainty that illness brings as well. Open Heart Magic actively serves children in hospitals throughout Chicagoland, as well as Ann Arbor, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio.

Why Magic?

For kids undergoing medical treatment, magic has therapeutic value. According to research in education, social work, and psychology:

• Magic is a beneficial tool for gaining trust, decreasing tension, and establishing rapport when working with children and adolescents.
• Magic enhances patients’ cognitive functions, perception, neuromuscular and motivational skills.
• Magic is an innovative technique for reaching children who are scared, isolated and resistant to other forms of therapy.
• Magic is a means for utilizing the powerful benefits of humor and laughter both for the young patients and also their siblings and families who are undergoing some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

In 2016, our volunteers reached over 11,000 children and their families--and we continue to grow.