Take a second. Remember when you were a kid, and everything in the world seemed so…possible? Imagination is the essence of childhood, allowing kids to grow, think, and explore their environments. Now imagine, that environment is a doctor’s office, a medical daycare, a hospital unit…
Pediatric patients deserve all of the happiness and lightheartedness of an imaginative childhood, and it is our mission to make that possible.
This year, the University of Pittsburgh welcomed a new, magical organization to campus: The Imagination Project (TIP). This student-run operation aims to brighten the lives of pediatric patients and special needs children in the community. TIP volunteers bring famous children’s characters to life, as they visit with medically fragile children, who need a little extra light, laughter, and wonder in their lives.
TIP’s members aim to make fun, meaningful experiences for the children and their families. The organization’s volunteers undergo Character Conditioning—extensive training and research where they learn to become their assigned character. It is very important that our actors are always prepared to give an authentic performance. The visits range from individual bedside appearances to attendance at large group events: tea parties, sing-alongs, story time circles, dance parties, anything that we can do to bring a child’s favorite character to life.
The best part about the mission is that is allows college-age students to give back to their community in a fun and loving experience. They get to witness the impact they are making, rebounded in the excitement of a child's reaction. It is truly making magic.
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible" ~ Walt Disney
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