Approximately 900 children in New York are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many more come to the area to receive treatment at the many fine hospitals New York City has to offer.
New York State Cancer Registry, 2003
10,139 children and youth have been diagnosed with AIDS.
Centers for Disease Control, 2003
Specially trained Portals Of Wonder artists engage, inspire, and bring therapeutic benefits to critically ill children suffering from AIDS, cancer, neurological disorders and other illnesses by bringing hope, magic, fairytale, sing-a-long music and laughter to those who are too ill to attend programs in other venues.
Our art therapy programs provide specially designed rehabilitative support to:
- Boost the immune system
- Evoke laughter, joy, and enthusiasm in sick children
- Enhance physical therapy
- Build eye-hand coordination
- Increase cognitive skills
- Relieve stress for patients, family members and hospital staff
We have witnessed children who have not spoken or smiled, suddenly burst into laughter and song after being drawn-out and engaged by our artists.