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Our Impact
Restoring Childhood Through Joy, Connection, and Care
At A Moment of Magic, we believe healing begins with a moment—of laughter, imagination, and being truly seen. Through play-based programming and mental health support, we meet medically vulnerable children where they are, and remind them of who they are: brave, joyful, and full of magic.
Every number tells a story—but behind each one is a child who just wants to feel like a kid again.
At A Moment of Magic, we believe that every child deserves the chance to experience the wonder of childhood—especially those that are medically vulnerable.
Through moments of joy, connection, and creativity, we help restore what illness and adversity often take away: a sense of normalcy, confidence, and hope.
When you support A Moment of Magic, you’re not just giving a smile or a visit.
You’re helping transform fear into courage, isolation into connection, and trauma into healing.
When Childhood Isn’t Carefree
70
Up to 80% of children and their families experience traumatic stress after a life-threatening diagnosis, injury, or painful procedure.
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0
Children with chronic illnesses are 7 times more likely to experience a mental health crisis than their healthy peers.
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17
Only 27% of pediatric providers feel their clinic has adequate psychosocial staff, and just 35% describe their care as comprehensive.
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That's where we come in.
We meet children in the hardest moments of their lives with joy, imagination, and healing-centered support that helps them feel like kids again.
"You helped to take their mind off of why they were in hospital and allowed them to just be a kid.”
– Katie, Child Life Specialist
VCU Health
How We Help
Through hospital visits, community programming, and our Express, Create, Heal mental health initiative, we meet children and families where they are with play, presence, and purpose.
Whether it’s a magical hospital bedside visit, a trauma-informed arts workshop, or a brave moment of laughter in the face of fear, we bring light when it’s needed most.
By The Numbers
292
Average number of medically vulnerable children we impact per week
340
Hospital & Nonprofit Partners across all 50 states
1990
College student volunteers engaged across 25+ universities
Backed by Research. Driven by Compassion.
A Moment of Magic isn’t just heartfelt. It’s evidence-based and results-driven.
In a recent survey of healthcare partners:
92%
agree our programs had a positive impact on children’s emotional well-being, helping them feel seen, supported, and emotionally uplifted through play, imagination, and compassionate connection.
92%
agree our program provided lasting benefits beyond the day of the visit, fostering continued emotional resilience, positive memories, and a lasting sense of joy and hope.
92%
agree our programs reduced stress for patients and families, creating moments of relief, comfort, and normalcy during overwhelming medical experiences.
100%
agree our programs enhanced
patient engagement, empowering children to be more emotionally responsive, interactive, and involved during their care experience
100%
agree our programs supported the work of healthcare professionals, reducing emotional strain on staff, enhancing patient cooperation, and creating a more positive care environment.
100%
agree our programs improved participants’ quality of life, restoring a sense of personhood to patients through joy, connection, and creativity during their medical journey.
A first-of-its-kind, evidence-informed program to support the mental health of children affected by pediatric cancer
Emotional Expression:
Before and After ECH
After participating in Express, Create, Heal, parents reported a significant increase in their child’s ability to express emotions, rising from 3.77 to 4.62 out of 5.
Access to Mental Health Resources:
Before and After ECH
Families shared that their access to mental health resources jumped from 2.77 to 4.69 out of 5 after attending the program, reflecting a major shift in support and understanding.
4.7
Parents gave the workshop activities an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, reflecting their trust in the program’s ability to support their child’s emotional growth and healing.
92.3%
of parents said participating in Express, Create, Heal improved their understanding of their child’s mental health and how to better support their emotional needs.
100%
of parents agreed that Express, Create, Heal improved their child’s overall quality of life by providing meaningful emotional support during a challenging time.
What Does "Medically Vulnerable" Mean?
At A Moment of Magic, we use the term medically vulnerable to describe children navigating a range of complex life challenges that put their health, development, or emotional well-being at risk.
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Children with Serious or Chronic Illnesses or experiencing hospitalization
Children with disabilities or special needs
Children in foster care or facing housing instability
Children Experiencing Mental Health Challenges
Children from Underserved or Marginalized Communities
A National Movement
With 25+ college chapters and 350+ partners—including top children’s hospitals across the country, we’re building a new model for pediatric care: one rooted in dignity, play, and human connection.
We are honored to be recognized by:
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Clinton Global Initiative (2024 Fellow Cohort)
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Ashoka Ambition Accelerator (2024 Seed Prize Winner)
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National Association of Social Workers (CEU Approval for Express, Create, Heal)
About
What You Make Possible
When you donate to A Moment of Magic, you’re funding:
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Magic Maker Programs that reduce stress and spark joy
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Express, Create, Heal Mental health programs that build resilience
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Volunteer training that creates the next generation of trauma-informed leaders
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Community events that celebrate courage, connection, and healing
Together, we can ensure that every child, no matter their diagnosis or circumstance, has access to joy, dignity, and the healing power of connection
