CoachArt

Meet Missaira

In Los Angeles County, there are nearly 175,000 economically disadvantaged children living with the devastating effects of cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and other serious illnesses. These children suffer from a myriad of physical, emotional and social consequences. Many of these children endure ongoing medical procedures and treatments, and as a result, lose their sense of play, creativity and self-esteem. Because families are under economic and emotional stress, finding and paying for an art or sport lesson is not something that can be managed. But through CoachArt, these students can become reengaged and energized, realizing their dreams to become dancers, painters, rock climbers or golfers. Since CoachArt was founded in 2001, it has brought joy to thousands of children.

CoachArt brings communities together to help these children rebuild their lives. CoachArt volunteers are chefs, dancers, photographers, coaches, karate instructors, artists and athletes from the child's community who volunteer an hour of their time each week to teach a patient or their sibling. In the process, these volunteers help children find their sense of play and optimism. "The philanthropic spirit of our volunteer coaches is what makes CoachArt so special to all the students. Without their generosity, CoachArt wouldn't be able to grow the way we have," says CoachArt Chairman, Zander Lurie.

Through a grant provided by Summa Childrens' Foundation, CoachArt has been able to serve hundreds of new students throughout Los Angeles. While continuing to work closely with Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CoachArt has now built new partnerships in ten area hospitals including Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, City of Hope, Miller Children's Hospital and many others.

Exciting new programs are being started within these hospitals to build stronger bridges with healthcare providers, children, and families at each of these locations. CoachArt has established specialized classes for children inside the hospital including an 8-week knitting program for children with kidney disease undergoing dialysis. This program provides a relaxing activity and teaches valuable skills in a time when children would normally be bored and anxious. In addition, an Honorary Medical Board was formed to bring together doctors and healthcare professionals across the city to discuss the importance on ongoing care and support services for children in the outpatient phase of their treatment.

Most exciting of all, because of support from the Summa Children's Foundation, CoachArt will serve more than 2,500 children this year, representing a 20% increase over 2008. This grant ensures that all chronically-ill children and their siblings will participate in an art or sports activity of their choice. CoachArt purchases lesson materials for all students and provides transportation for those students who would have no other way to attend a lesson. "The grant from Summa translates into materially more students receiving CoachArt lessons. Summa concentrated their resources and made a sizeable investment into CoachArt. We are able to show Summa and its supporters the significant value that has been created through this grant," said Zander Lurie.