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==Article Transcript==I had an idea to interview each child and'''Paste Article Transcript Here'''teen the first day of camp to find outwho their superhero alter-ego wouldbe and, as a surprise, enlist the helpof professional artists to create eachof the characters they described. Withthe help of a friend in the animationbusiness, we lined up around 80 artistsand made it happen. The last nightof camp, we held a slide show wherethe campers saw their own personalsuperheroes on the screen – and it wasabsolute joyous mayhem! Each timea new character appeared, there werecheers and applause and laughter, andlater, when we presented each childwith a small framed version of thecharacters, it was clear how meaningfulthey were to them. Not only had a professional artist takentheir ideas seriously and elevatedthem into a beautiful, strong anddynamic character, but the kids nowhad a tangible representation of theirinner resilience and power. What wasequally exciting was how meaningfulthe experience had been for theartists. Many of them thanked us forthe opportunity and said they wouldbe honored to participate again in thefuture – they found the chance to usetheir talents to impact an individualchild going through a difficult time tobe powerful and affirming. It was trulyinspiring to see. That one-time surprise has nowdeveloped into The Superhero Project,an ongoing initiative that uses creativethinking and the arts to inspire youthwith disabilities and serious illnesses.I interview kids and teens in pediatricand adolescent oncology, hematology,cardiac and pulmonary hospital units, atcommunity events, in their homes, andvia videochat (for those in other citiesand countries). I ask them what theystand for and who they fight for — howthey want to make the world a betterplace. We also talk about what theylook like and what special powers they’llneed to succeed. The interviews are amazing. Listeningto the kids’ creative ideas, giggling overcostume choices and brainstormingthe exact tools they’ll need is definitelyfun, but more often than not, I’mmoved by the causes they embrace.They want to end bullying and protectthe environment. They want to bringjoy and fun to the world, and to keeptheir friends and family safe. One youngman wanted the power to create warm hats, gloves and coats with the point of a finger for children in need. Many seek an end to illness, but rarely do they mention themselves – it’s all about making sure that others benefit from their imaginary powers. After the interviews, we match our heroes with equally amazing professional artists who volunteer their time and talent to bring the characters to life. These are extraordinary volunteers, without whom the project wouldn’t be possible. We have comic book artists, animators, illustrators, and art school faculty members. There are storyboard artists, children’s book illustrators, tattoo artists and graphic designers. And of course, we have caricaturists! Artists are regularly asked to give away their creative work, their time and their talent for free. I understand well how boundaries must be drawn; artists must protect their energy and their work in order to make a living. Since I am unable financially at this time to offer honoraria in appreciation, I am overwhelmed by the number of artists who take it upon themselves to bring joy to families in need by creating these unique and meaningful gifts. The finished characters are printed on posters and delivered to the families. Our volunteers share an understanding of the power of creative thinking and the arts, and recognize the connection between positive thinking and health outcomes. They know that providing these young patients with a visual representation of their inner strength can inspire them, and our superhero families affirm that they are right. One mom shared with us that, “The Superhero Project came in as one of the first things to lift my daughter’s spirits when she began her first round of chemo. It set the tone in her mind that while she was facing this difficult challenge, there were going to be people helping her fight along the way! That was so important for her.” In a time when the world seems increasingly filled with division and hate, I am inspired by how many people are willing to say “yes” and step forward for a child they will never meet. In addition to the artists who create characters, we have printers who donate the posters, a graphic designer who creates marketing pieces, and a hospital who assists with mailing posters to families. This is a lean operation in every way but impact – many families have shared beautiful notes with us about how much the superheroes mean to their kids. Some carry their posters back and forth to clinics for treatments; others hang them in hospital rooms for doctors and nurses to see. I am privileged to meet the kids and teens I interview, and I am honored to walk with families for a very short time on their long journeys. I am inspired not just by their boundless creativity, strength and positivity, but by the artists from around the world who open their hearts to our initiative. I look forward to many more years and many more characters to come!
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and designed by Amanda Li.]]
==Article Transcript==
For nine years, I was a program specialist and counselor at Camp
Sunrise, the only camp in Ohio for youth impacted by HIV/AIDS.
and courage.
==See Also==
