![]() "Spending time with these precious children will change your life. You find that you really don't have any problems... they will fade into the background as you witness what real problems are... and to your surprise, you will be blessed by these children when you thought you were there to try to bless them... We are grateful to you and thank you dear friends, for making Discovery Arts possible!" Marilyn Clements, Executive Director Discovery Arts 1 Day to go! We are wrapping up our 30-30 Challenge but there is still time to contribute to these precious children. Find details here: http://www.discoveryarts.org/currently-playing.html
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![]() The Springfield Art Museum (SAM) offers many opportunities for children to explore art, yet what transpired this summer was far beyond the expectation of an art camp and continues to impact lives. The museum has a newly acquired partnership, housing flyers for Discovery Arts, which brings awareness to the community about the healing power of art. The Bayazed family understands this all too well. Cidra Bayazed, age nine, and her little sister Talia, age six, stood apart from the other children, with a story to tell. To look at them, you would think it was for their long, flowing, gently braided hair. To know them, was to see it was for their beauty and courage within. They attended Wilder Elementary School and took art classes together at the museum. This time, Cidra would come alone. Talia passed away last December after a three year illness. When their mother, Shyma Bayazed, was asked what she wanted people to know about her daughters, she said, “Talia was brave. She would fall down. She wouldn’t cry. She would just get up.” As Talia’s illness progressed, her legs became weak and it was hard for her to walk. Cidra, the oldest of three girls, would take her by the hand, help her up and walk patiently with her. Cidra readily accepted the role of big sister, to all the children ages kindergarten through second grade, at the Fairies, Mermaids and Wishing Fountains art camp. The children were invited into the courtyard Art Garden, newly landscaped by Friends of the Springfield Art Museum (FOSAM). Upon entrance, they were captivated by the anticipation of fairies, stepping into the enchanting world of imagination, creativity and self-expression. It was here, that they would experience fanciful glitter art, ribbon dance, bubbles and cloud watching amidst nature Lessons were enhanced and children were entertained by special guests. Anne Cox taught them yoga postures, followed by Dr. Sharon Jackson, from Power of the Mind, who guided them in a fairyland meditation. Provost, Dr. Chris Craig, and Professor Karen Engler, both at MSU, used music and storytelling, to shed a light on sensory awareness of the visually and hearing impaired, who must communicate through Braille and Sign Language. If you believe, magic is real! Cidra at Fairies, Mermaids and Wishing Fountains Art Camp, Summer 2013 ![]() The culminating event, a musical concert performed by Dr. Jeremy Chesman, from Conservatory of the Ozarks, was most memorable. The attire was formal and wings were welcomed, as 14 lovely garden and sea princesses and one magical wizard came to listen and soon fell under the spell of the harp. To close the day, the children were given a penny to make a wish and toss in the fountain. Cidra shared the wish from her journal. “I am making this wish for my favorite sister that is in heaven. I wish you everything of happiness, love and kisses. I love you.” This is just one of many stories to tell. As a teacher at the Springfield Art Museum and the coordinator for Discovery Arts at Mercy Children’s Hospital, I have the rare privilege to interchange museum and hospital art experiences to touch children’s lives. Jill Norton, in a Mercy ministry called Harps for the Heart, created a transcending ambiance on the Pediatrics floor. The music soothed a crying baby, who spent his first 4 months of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Jill also honored a grandmother’s wish to play Amazing Grace. The song she sang to her grandchildren was played for the family’s loved one in her last hours of Hospice. Discovery Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serving 6 hospitals in California for 20 years. Mercy Children’s Hospital, in Springfield, MO, is the first hospital in the Midwest to be given the opportunity to experience the Discovery Arts program. “Our mission is to bring art, music, dance and drama to children with cancer, serious blood disorders and life threatening illness while they are receiving treatment.” For many, their greatest wish is normalcy. Be a part of the promise that hospitalized children will be provided with all the creative and normalization opportunities as their “well” peers. Give generously to increase the quality of life for these children. To donate go to: http://www.discoveryarts.org/make-a-donation.html In loving memory of Talia Bayazed. You will never be forgotten. ~ Janel Alicia ![]() Families, caregivers, charities and research groups across the United States observe September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In the U.S., almost 13,000 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year; approximately 1/4 of them will not survive the disease. A diagnosis turns the lives of the entire family upside down. The objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to put a spotlight on the types of cancer that largely affect children, survivorship issues, and - importantly - to help raise funds for research and family support. At Discovery Arts we bring the healing power of the arts to children with cancer, serious blood disorders and life threatening illness while they are in the hospital receiving treatment. Our “Arts Adventures” bring a tremendous amount of joy to the children and their families. These very sick children all share one wish.... "to be normal". Anything we can do to make their journey a little easier or a little brighter is our greatest wish. All of our programs are offered free of charge to the hospitals, patients and their families. With support from corporations and private foundations, a committed circle of private donors, art supply manufacturers and an enthusiastic corps of volunteers, Discovery Arts now provides Arts Adventures programs to more than 3,500 critically ill children each year. If you have a calling to get involved please join us this month for our 30-30 Challenge, see the details here: http://www.discoveryarts.org/currently-playing.html We are honored to serve these wonderful children and their families each and every week and all year long. ![]() September is "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month". In an effort to spread the word about Childhood Cancer and to support children who are suffering ... Step up and take the 30-30 Challenge!! For as little as $1.00 a day, you can make a difference!! Donate $30.00 to Discovery Arts during the 30 days of September . Become a * Team Leader!! Collect donations from your family, friends, clients, associates, or place of business and you will be eligible to win 4 Days and 3 Nights at Lagonita Lodge in Big Bear, California! Visit our Event Page on Facebook and invite friends to join you in your effort to help children with cancer. You can donate online right here in a secure environment.
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Discovery Arts
Bringing the healing power of the arts to children who are in the hospital undergoing treatment for cancer or life-threatening illness. Archives
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