Difference Maker: Open Heart Magic

Magic can be about slight of hand and distraction, and when children are hospitalized -- facing major medical challenges, many of them welcome the distraction.
That's where Open Heart Magic comes in. The non-profit founded in Chicago in 2004 puts on up close and personal magic shows for young patients and even teaches them some tricks of their own.
Mike Walton is the organization's Founder and Executive Director. He says the idea for Open Heart Magic started because of his desire to volunteer. "At the time I was teaching myself magic and thought 'hey, I think kids would think this is cool,'" he recalls.
22 years later, Walton says Open Heart Magic is at 13 children’s hospitals and the organization has just under 100 volunteers, some of whom are certified magician thanks to the organization's Magic University.
"Magic University last 12 weeks. It’s a mixture of in-person sessions as well as video sessions to learn the protocols. Not only does it teach them the magic interactions, and sure that includes the tricks and the lines and the funny interactions, but it also prepares that volunteer to be able to handle anything in the hospital environment. We have very specific protocols that keep the patients and the families safe, and the volunteer safe," explains Walton.
As more hospitals embrace Open Heart Magic, Walton hopes to expand the program nationally, and with that expansion comes an important rebranding and name change. Walton says it's necessary because, "unfortunately when you hear open-heart magic people have thought that maybe we’re closely tied to open heart surgery or cardiac patients and that’s not the case."
Walton adds the organization's new full name will be Bring Magic to Kids in Hospital, but it will commonly be referred to as Bring Magic. And while the name is changing, the mission remains the same.
"The most important thing is being able to reach kids and their families where they’re at. I want to go where kids are challenge the most, the burn unit, the oncology department, pediatric intensive care," says Walton, who adds that the moments they create are magical--not just for the patients, but for their families, hospital staff, and the volunteers as well.
"You get to see a child transformed in front of you. It’s the most powerful thing," explains Walton with a profound smile.
Walton adds those who want to get involved with the organization can go to their website openheartmagic.org for more information about what they do, and how to volunteer. People can also learn more at the organization's upcoming fundraising gala on November 7, 2026.
Open Heart Magic, a Difference Maker.