Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch's selection as a Clinton Global Initiative Fellow for her leadership with A Moment of Magic's Express, Create, Heal program has significantly elevated its profile. This prestigious recognition validates the program's innovative approach to creative arts therapy for children with cancer and opens doors to new partnerships and resources. McGrane-Zarnoch will be launching Express, Create, Heal as her CGI Fellowship commitment to action at the upcoming CGI Annual Meeting. CGI's support has empowered the program to expand its reach and impact, fostering hope and healing for more young patients and families worldwide.

Thanks to the generous support of the Aerie Real Foundation in 2022, students nationwide had the opportunity to host Bravery Bash events, assembling Bravery Bags that serve as essential components of the Express, Create, Heal program delivery.
 

Thanks to Aerie's steadfast support, we successfully packed over 200 backpacks, enriching our ECH programs nationwide and empowering teenagers on their mental health journeys.

Thanks to the generous backing from the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, we've propelled Express, Create, Heal forward with remarkable speed. Their support enabled us to undertake extensive research and development, creating 18 new Express, Create, Heal: The Childhood Cancer Chapter programs designed for in-person and virtual implementation.

​

In addition, we crafted 10 specialized trainings to equip our student volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively and responsibly lead these programs. Their support also facilitated hosting 6 virtual support sessions dedicated to childhood cancer fighters, survivors, siblings, and caregivers, fostering a supportive community even in the digital realm.

​

Furthermore, we organized 4 impactful in-person events, including our largest gathering at CureFest 2023, attended by 33 children aged 3 to 18.

With immense gratitude for the backing of the David and Minnie Berk Family Foundation, we've been empowered to expand our services and strengthen AMoM's presence in New York. Their support has been instrumental in deepening our partnerships with hospitals and facilitating the hosting of our inaugural "Express, Create, and Heal" (ECH) workshops for our partners in New York City.
 

Looking ahead, we anticipate that their continued support will enable us to make a significant impact on the lives of over 50 fighters, survivors, and siblings affected by childhood cancer in NYC by January 2025.

Thanks to the generous support of the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation (COF) for the Advancement of Public Health and the Barclay-Giel ​Seed Grant, our mission to bolster community-based public health initiatives receives invaluable reinforcement. 

​

Through the support of COF, funds will be allocated to the development and implementation of educational programs tailored to address the unique challenges faced by children and families affected by childhood cancer. These workshops will provide a nurturing environment for emotional expression, creativity, and healing.

​

By fostering partnerships with healthcare systems, particularly in underserved communities, our project endeavors to extend its reach to approximately 250 children and families and engage 100 local college student volunteers in the New York Metro area.

Thanks to the generous support of the Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation, Inc., A Moment of Magic successfully piloted the Express, Create, Heal: The Childhood Cancer program in September 2022. Their ongoing support has fueled the program's remarkable growth over the past few years, establishing it as a flagship initiative within A Moment of Magic.

​

Since 2022, the Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation has generously awarded two additional grants, enabling us to expand the program each year. Most recently, their investment has facilitated the development of our Express, Create, Heal Alliance program, scheduled to launch in Fall 2024. 

In May 2024, Bridget Rogers, A Moment of Magic's Express, Create, Heal manager, received the prestigious Taco Bell Foundation and Ashoka Ambition Accelerator 2024 Seed Prize Awardee recognition.

​

The Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator, in collaboration with Ashoka and funded by Yum!'s Unlocking Opportunity initiative, provides a platform for young individuals to share their social impact ideas and drive positive change within their communities. This accelerator program empowers young changemakers by offering funding opportunities, enhancing their skills, and connecting them with a network of peers and mentors who are leaders in the social impact field.

​

Bridget's selection as one of 250 finalists signifies her outstanding potential to make a difference. She remains eligible to advance to the next round, demonstrating her commitment to creating meaningful change. The funding from the seed prize will play a crucial role in developing our ECH Education Courses training videos, furthering our mission to support children and families affected by childhood cancer.