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Our Work
Our programs are how the magic comes to life.
They turn play into purpose, reaching children in moments that matter most. Because every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Why it Matters
It’s no surprise that chronic illness and long hospital stays can impact a child’s emotional development, sense of identity, and overall well-being. Yet many hospitals are stretched thin, with limited psychosocial support—meaning the emotional and social care that helps children cope with the challenges of illness.
Our programs fill that gap by delivering child-led, joy-centered experiences that strengthen mental health, build resilience, and create meaningful moments of connection.
80%
Up to 80% of children and their families experience some traumatic stress reactions following life threatening illness, injury, or painful medical procedures.
7x
Children with critical or chronic illnesses are 7 times more likely to experience a mental health event than their peers.
27%
of pediatric providers feel their clinic has adequate psychosocial staffing, and just 35% describe their care as comprehensive.
When we think of mental health...
We often imagine therapy: a quiet office, a psychologist, a couch.
But that’s not us.
At A Moment of Magic, our support starts with something every child understands: play.
Through play—a language that’s intuitive to kids—we help them build resilience, process complex emotions, and feel less alone.
At A Moment of Magic, our programs are run by highly trained college students. No doctors or white coats—just compassionate, creative peers leading with play, color, and connection.
We’re not here to replace medical providers or therapists. We’re a primer—a launching pad. We're here to support the great work being doing by medical teams and psychosocial staff, to enhance existing services, and to offer something children often need most: a peer who listens and understands.
Through the power of play, AMOM helps hospitalized children make sense of their new normal. We give them the language, tools, and confidence they need to navigate their emotions and experiences.
We’re here to listen, not treat — to empower, not diagnose.
Our Three Core Programs
Magic Makers
Character Program
Imagination, grounded in impact.
Our flagship program transforms volunteers into beloved characters who serve as trauma-informed companions on a child’s healing journey.
But this is far more than dress-up. Magic Makers are trained in child development, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, and dignity-centered care. They engage in child-led, play-based interactions that reduce anxiety, foster joy, and support the broader circle of care.
In collaboration with hospital staff, Child Life teams, and caregivers, we meet children where they are—with the magic they need most.
Express, Create, Heal
Targeted Intervention Program
Mental health support and education, disguised as play.
Express, Create, Heal is a peer-led, trauma-informed initiative for children affected by cancer. Designed in collaboration with mental health professionals, the program addresses issues like grief, anxiety, body image, and identity through storytelling, social emotional learning, and creative expression.
Children ages 3 to 18 are guided through curated activities that spark conversation, foster belonging, and provide tools to navigate their emotions—at a time when their world feels upside down.
Because when a child feels safe to express themselves, healing begins.
AMoM Unlimited
Virtual Programming
No travel. No limits. Just magic.
Created with accessibility in mind, AMoM Unlimited brings play-based programming directly to medically vulnerable children—wherever they are.
This free, on-demand digital library offers storytimes, themed activities, and uplifting videos led by our volunteers. It’s a way to ensure no child misses out on the magic, even when visits aren’t possible.
From hospital beds to living rooms, AMoM Unlimited breaks down barriers to care—one joyful moment at a time.
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.
Real Moments. Real Magic.
Behind every smile is a story. These videos capture the heart of A Moment of Magic — moments of courage, connection, and joy that remind us why this work matters. Meet the children, families, volunteers, and healthcare professionals whose lives have been touched by the magic.
Avery & Shara’s Story
Hear from Shara as she shares how A Moment of Magic brought comfort, courage, and joy to her daughter Avery during and after treatment — creating memories that reached far beyond the hospital room.
Victoria’s Perspective
As a Child Life Specialist, Victoria sees the difference our programs make every day. She shares how moments of play and imagination can transform a child’s medical journey and support the entire care team..
Casen’s Experience
A childhood cancer survivor turned volunteer, Casen brings a special kind of magic, one rooted in empathy, experience, and the power of paying it forward. Her story is a full-circle moment of healing and hope.