|
|
prodigitalmagic
New user
West Olive Mi
48 Posts
|
Posted: May 29, 2004 7:47pm
Kids and Cancer...two words that should never belong together. but sadly they do and more often than most people know. I know because my daughter is one of them.
Angel ( that is her real name) was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 5 the good news is she will be 8 next month she is responding very well to Chemo-Therapy very well. I will not try to explain the torment that she and her mother and I have been through we get through it because it's our Child. as a magician and a Father I love to perform for kids, I never knew my audience would be termanlly ill children. No matter how taxing the treatment was they allways found the courage to smile after I performed for them. Maybe it gave them hope for the miracle they desperatly needed maybe that was the reason for the smile. or maybe it made them believe in more than the things around them and gave them peace. But the way they touched my heart will always be a magical moment for them and me
|
gocall911
Loyal user
Salem, VA
246 Posts
|
Posted: May 30, 2004 12:01am
I performed for over a year for these wonderful kids who a smile means so much to! The joy I have found performing for them goes unmatched and here is a paper I wrote for school a few months back about some of the things I learned. I think anyone who has ever done this type of show will understand what I meen.
Lessons from Children
By: Caleb Johnston
A small bald child's eyes light up as the little red sponge ball jumps from my hand to theirs. A young boy feels the joy of being able to entertain his parents after I teach him how to perform a simple trick. I learned many lessons from my trips to the Children's Cancer unit at Carilion Hospital. Although this will be a short essay on what I learned, I cannot stress just how important and how big these lessons really are. I hope each and everyone who reads essay this will remember and take these lessons to heart.
~I learned how precious life is whether you have 6 months to live or 75 years left.
~I learned how you should enjoy and use every second that you have on this earth because you never know when your time will be up.
~I learned just important a smile can be, so keep on a smile because at anytime it could be your last or the last smile that someone else sees.
~I learned everyone takes life for granted except those who are losing it.
~I learned happiness from the simple things is far more important then many things that are focused on in today's society.
~I learned hair is nice but it doesn’t change who you are inside.
~I learned there are people out there who give there whole life to change someone else's worst time into there best and there are others who wouldn’t give it a second thought.
~I learned that God blesses everybody differently but we all have our own blessings and gifts.
~I learned a few minutes of your time can give someone else hours of joy.
~I learned help comes in many shapes and forms some that you would never expect.
~I learned the eyes that light up the brightest are those that you don’t think would light up at all.
~I learned how making some one else smile can give you a inner smile a mile wide even through all the tears streaming down your face.
~I learned miracles do happen every day even if it's only in one persons eyes.
"Use your head." ~Dai Vernon~
|
Emazdad
Inner circle
Plymouth UK
1954 Posts
|
Posted: May 30, 2004 3:16am
I performed for a charity last year, (they've booked me again this year) for kids who are recovering from Cancer. It's one of the few times I entertain kids that are outside my normal entertaining age bracket. They range from 7 to 13. I was a bit worried at first because I was doing games and magic and I thought my games might knacker them out too much. The staff told me not to worry as if they get knackered they'll slow down on their own. It was a great show, they didn't slow down, in fact I was the one that was knackered as their enthuesiasm was infectious, and as with any kids show, the more they enjoy it the more I enjoy it and the livelier we all get.
The bravery of these kids that have beeen through so much at such an early age is truely humbling.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley
www.emazdad.com
"Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic"
Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't.
|
Al Kazam the Magic Man
Special user
Living in Perth WA
849 Posts
|
Posted: May 30, 2004 4:41am
Hi there,
I"ve performed for many kids with cancer during my 3years of weekly performing in the kids ward of a large hospital near my home. My heart goes out to you prodigital magic.
In fact the very first time I went I was taken (by the social worker) into the private room of the little boy 5, who had lukemia. I really didn't know what I was going to do as I didn't even know ahead of time that it was going to happen. I just went ahead and did what I normally do for the other kids magic wise and made him balloons and had fun with him. His reaction was amazing and infectious. From that time onwards I decided that I would do the same for all the kids who were facing the same odds. It sure changed my outlook on life.
JoJo
Al Kazam --> Magic guy in Perth Australia
www.al-kazam.com
Also on Facebook
www.facebook.com/magicianAlKazam
|
Cheshire Cat
Special user
Wilmslow, UK
941 Posts
|
Posted: May 30, 2004 11:04am
I think all the postings in this thread are from the heart, and mine certainly is too. What impresses me is the flair terminally ill children have for life, whether suffering from various forms of cancer, or severe epilepsy combined with physical disabilities. To anyone just taking on this type of booking, make no mistake, it will both physically and mentally drain you however. The feedback may not always be what you expect (or want) - but that kid who just seems too "far gone" to know what you are doing probably is enjoying every moment of it in their own way. Perhaps there should be a tutorial here from these kids to entertainers? I am sure they would say: "don't show pity for us, don't talk down to us" - just get on with what you are good at, and entertain! I'm going back to a place this Summer where last year I had to INSIST to staff that I wanted that severely handicapped lad to come and hold the magic wand (I ended up going and getting him myself). All worked out perfectly, - I just deliberately held the prop. directly in front of him within his field of vision, and I could tell by his eyes that his brain was as sharp as a needle! Sometimes parents and carers submit to the idea that their kids should always almost 'be kept in the background' - and this (within the bounds of common sense) is such a shame.
|
prodigitalmagic
New user
West Olive Mi
48 Posts
|
Posted: May 30, 2004 9:54pm
I SALUTE ALL PERFORMERS
Who take on such a task to bring smiles to children that have no good reason to smile. It takes a very special kind of person to do this and when that person does it the rewards are just as much theirs for they now know where their heart is and what it's for. I could type a million words telling you how special you are to them but their smile does it better . I know because I get those same smiles from them. Thank you for your dedication to them. God Bless you all
|
Adam
Regular user
UK
103 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 9:28am
Someone with no magic experience has asked me how to get started in performing voluntarily for children in hospital. I have no experience in this and was wondering if any of the selfless people above (or anyone else) who has done this before can recommend some simple tricks/routines that are suitable for this sort of thing. I imagine that balloon-modelling, for instance, can be a problem on some wards on account of the screaching noises (and popping sounds!) involved, or the risk that a kid will swallow a deflated balloon, etc.
Any ideas?
Many thanks for your help.
|
Brian Lehr
Inner circle
Edmonton, Canada
1590 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 3:10pm
I was thinking about volunteering to do some shows at the local hospitals. For those who have done this, whom do you contact to set this up? Are there Activity Coordinators at the hospitals?
Brian
|
Kent Wong
Inner circle
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2359 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 3:24pm
First of all, Prodigitalmagic, I tip my hat to you. As a parent, I could never imagine any of my kids going through what your Angel has so bravely endured. I'm sure that she draws from the strength that you and your wife possess, and I admire you greatly for it. As a parent, it is a vivid reminder of how insignificant everything else is when compared to the health and happiness of our own children.
But your ability to turn an emotional trial of this nature into a positive opportunity to make others a little happier is a true inspiration. If you and your family should ever require anything, please let me know. I will do everything I can to help, if it be in my power to do so.
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
______________________
www.kentwongmagic.com
|
rossmacrae
Inner circle
Arlington, Virginia
2180 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 4:27pm
A bunch of great posts - please pay particular attention to Cheshirecat's.
Not to take anything away from efforts to help the weakest among us ... if your daughter is responding well to chemo she's going to need a dad with all his emotional strength, and a dad who can focus on the precious life she has.
Ask yourself every now and then whether it might be time to leave this particular duty to others (and, as you see, there ARE others) in order to preserve your own emotional energy for your child, and also ask yourself whether it's costing your child anything to have you constantly revisiting the hospital when she needs to focus on being out of the hospital.
As a parent of a onetime patient (and hopefully "onetime" means "never again") your first duty is to your daughter and to your family - I don't know you, and you didn't ask, but I just wanted to put in a plea to "reality check" your focus, considering that the generous help you're giving the still-hospitalized children is so draining.
See my website: www.goodmagic.com
See the BALLYCAST Sideshow Blog & Podcast
There is no "way to peace." Peace is the way.
|
Peter Marucci
Inner circle
5388 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 5:46pm
Brian Lehr writes: "For those who have done this, whom do you contact to set this up?"
Usually the administrator of the hospital or hospice will be able to help you out.
Or most have a Volunteer Co-ordinator who will arrange the when and where for you.
Just remember: All of these patients have good and bad days; if you catch some of them on the bad days, you may take it personally. DON'T! It has nothing to do with you, after all.
My wife's brother has terminal cancer and probably won't be here a year from now.
But that's a sort of a good thing; he knows he's got a year left -- any one of us could be hit by a bus tomorrow, when we think that we have forever left!
|
Brian Lehr
Inner circle
Edmonton, Canada
1590 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 6:44pm
Peter,
Thanks for the info.
Also, a "thank you" for another bit of inspiration -- after all the postings you've done on the Miser's Dream (along with your article in Tom Bolware's book on Daycare magic), I finally got McBride's Video, learned how to do it properly (with a coffee can!), and have made it my opener. As you suggested, I give one loonie to a child. The comments from the kids after the show are priceless! 
Brian
|
Kent Wong
Inner circle
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2359 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 8:22pm
Brian,
Last year I performed at a local charity benefit with a crowd of over 3000 people. Imagine doing close up magic for all age groups over a course of 6 hours! It was exhillarating.
This year I am trying to coordinate a small group of magicians to take turns entertaining at the Stollery Childrens'Hospital. Ideally, I would like to have some form of entertainment available each weekend. I also envision one major show during the annual radiothon.
The difficulty is the availablity of performers in a City like Edmonton. If you are interested, let me know. I have already spoken to the volunteer coordinator at the Hospital and she is quite receptive to the idea.
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
______________________
www.kentwongmagic.com
|
Brian Lehr
Inner circle
Edmonton, Canada
1590 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 9:57pm
Quote:
|
On 2005-04-07 20:22, magicman845 wrote:
The difficulty is the availablity of performers in a City like Edmonton. If you are interested, let me know.
|
|
I'm interested, and I've PM'd you.
Brian
|
rossmacrae
Inner circle
Arlington, Virginia
2180 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 10:27pm
Magicman845
Great idea - and I think you're starting right at the point of most need. When I was hospitalized briefly, the weekends were the hardest times: regular doctors and therapists only scheduled on weekdays, visitors not nearly enough to break up the boredom, etc. Something to look forward to on a Saturday or Sunday would have been wonderful!
ANYTHING to look forward to - magician, singer, storyteller, lecturer, author ... expand your field of entertainment possibilities and you may find it easier to find entertainers. And don't think it always has to be "kiddie" entertainment - remember that there may be a wide range of interests (would a ten-year-old or a 13-year-old be interested in "The Wiggles"? Now get a visiting soldier in there and you've GOT that kid for as long as the visitor wants to stay!)
See my website: www.goodmagic.com
See the BALLYCAST Sideshow Blog & Podcast
There is no "way to peace." Peace is the way.
|
Danny Diamond
Inner circle
Connecticut
1378 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 10:34pm
It's ironic that I saw this thread at the top of the forum just now, and even more ironic that I read this post...
Quote:
|
On 2004-05-30 00:01, gocall911 wrote:
A small bald child's eyes light up as the little red sponge ball jumps from my hand to theirs.
|
|
The exact situation unfolded for me today at my school show...
I was setting up my show, behind the main curtain, and naturally, kids were popping their heads under the curtain trying to get a peek at my secrets. All of a sudden, this little child with a bald head and marks on his scalp comes walking through the curtain, with a woman (either his mother or a teacher). There is a lost and found bin on the stage near me, and that was his reason for coming up. The woman apologized for bothering me. I said it's no problem, and the kid said "can I see a trick?". Of course, I wasn't going to turn him down. So I stopepd setting up my show, grabbed two red sponge balls, and we each squeezed one in our hands. When I opened my hand to reveal mine gone, his face lit up like I've never seen before on a child! When I had him open his hand to find them both there, his smile got even bigger! It was a very rewarding little experience, and I was so proud to be able to make him smile.
Kid's with cancer and other serious illnesses NEED to believe in magic.
You don't drown by falling in the water;
you drown by staying there.
- Edwin Louis Cole
|
olivertwist
Special user
Nashua, NH
525 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 7, 2005 10:35pm
I work with a group called Starlight Starbright. The organize all kinds of programs for sick kids. You can search for them and find more info. I perform once a month at Boston Memorial Hospital and at the Shriner's Burn Hospital. Seeing some of these kids can break your heart, but seeing their smiles and laughter will put it back together again.
Oliver
|
Kent Wong
Inner circle
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2359 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 8, 2005 10:25am
Ross,
Thanks for the encouragement. I've been performing for kids on a professional and semi-professional basis for about 30 years, and I've always strived to give something back to the community. About a year ago, around Halloween, it struck me that all of these kids were stuck in the hospital while their friends were out and about having a great time. This just didn't seem fair. After all, it's not their fault that they're stuck in the hospital.
So, I started thinking of a plan to bring the fun to them. I've done a few shows so far and the kids really seem to enjoy it. I show up in hospital greens and a doctor's bag while introducing myself as Doctor Magic.
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
______________________
www.kentwongmagic.com
|
Adam
Regular user
UK
103 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 11, 2005 5:05pm
These stories really are inspirational. Does anyone have practical advice regarding suitable routines for someone inexperienced with sleight of hand (as per my original post above)?
Many thanks for your help.
|
rossmacrae
Inner circle
Arlington, Virginia
2180 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 11, 2005 5:59pm
Sleight of hand works best (if at all) for older kids, and can be entirely dispensed with in favor of any of the numerous kid effects out there - just study the posts in this forum to get plenty of ideas on making any (no, really, ANY) effect - new or old - props or propless - into a "kid-friendly" winner.
See my website: www.goodmagic.com
See the BALLYCAST Sideshow Blog & Podcast
There is no "way to peace." Peace is the way.
|
andrew martin
Veteran user
381 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 12, 2005 5:47am
Every Tuesday I perform at The Toledo Hospital in the Child Life department.
I'm a Volunteer. I been doing this for 3 years . It's great and tough sometimes.
Call the Volunteer department at the hospital and tell them what you what to do.
I had to go though a general orientation.
I have a wonderful woman to take me around the rooms. This helps a lot.
To produce a smile or make their eyes get wide from a child,this is real magic.
|
harris
Inner circle
Harris Deutsch
6111 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 12, 2005 3:43pm
Thanks for sharing some real magic.
If any of you are going to Boston for the July S.A.M. Convention, please look up this nearly normal guy. We can share some stories, truths about magic and share a cup of coffee or Dr. Pepper(DP). I like my D.P. hot.
I will be sharing on a panel for the Freedom of Drugs Program with 3 other great presenters.
Be safe, and creative.
The real magic is in giving back!
If we focus on the solutions they increase!
You are all appreciated by,
Harris
Harris Deutsch
aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com
music, magic and marvelous toys
http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u
|
andrew martin
Veteran user
381 Posts
|
Posted: Apr 14, 2005 6:16am
Thanks Harris I wish I can I'll be out west performing. Maybe next year.
|
machrj
New user
2 Posts
|
Posted: Aug 6, 2006 9:11am
Getting back to the original idea of Kids and Cancer and magic. There is a foundation in New Jersey started by a young magician who spend several years in the hospital with Leukemia. Long story short he started a foundation to bring magic to kids in the hospitals (www.spreadthemagic.com)
His story is inspirational and his foundation is doing good work.
Rich Mach
|
pradell
Special user
Alaska
537 Posts
|
Posted: Aug 25, 2006 4:45am
Hey, back when I had cancer I performed for a little bald boy who also was in treatment. The joy of sharing my art and brightening up his face put things into perspective for me. A couple of days after I found out that I had a 3 1/2 inch mass of unknown origin between my heart and lung, I had a couple of shows already booked. I thought about canceling them but decided to honor my commitment, and I'm glad that I did. The second show was a Renaissance Faire where I was Merlin. I led the parade and kids hung on my staff and accompanied me all over the grounds. For three hours I was in the moment, enjoying being present with the audience, sharing and caring. Only after the show did my fears and "reality" sink in as to what was going on in my body. Here I am, 16 years later, still alive. Still performing our art.
Magic is a great escape and a place to go when life is complex. It also puts things into perspective: what is really important is focusing on the here and now, not what bad things might happen in the future or dwelling on how lousy the past might have been.
|
jclark
Special user
510 Posts
|
Posted: Oct 29, 2006 11:28pm
Man, great stuff you guys are doing. I love it. This is the kind of thing magicians should do without hessitation or reservation; giving back with our art is, in my view, an obligation. I wish more people would do it. In fact, have you read MagicSeen this month... if not, look up the article on MagiciansWithoutBorders.org; it is another way to give back. Proud of you guys!
God bless,
James
--------------------------------------
James L. Clark, Snr.
MBA, MSc., PhD Candidate
President, Blacks Magic Group, Inc.
Main Site: http://www.blacksmagicgroup.com
Web: http://www.magiciancards.com
Web: http://www.magicianlocator.
|
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The tricks are on me! » » Kids With Cancer |
|
|
