The Second Annual Galli Theater Benefit in Manhattan raised more than $2,500 for Dr. Fairytale, an NYC-based nonprofit program that brings the healing power of fairytales to seriously ill children and their families.
Tatjana Maya, M.D., believes that sometimes sick children and their families need more than medicine — they need a fairytale. That’s why, 16 years ago, the pediatrician founded Dr. Fairytale, a nonprofit program that brings the educational and healing value of fairytales and storytelling to seriously ill children and their families, in hospitals, orphanages, and crisis areas in NYC and beyond. On July 12, Galli Theater, a nonprofit, NYC-based children’s theater where Dr. Maya serves as director, hosted the Second Annual Galli Theater Benefit at Galli Seaport, which raised more than $2,500 for Dr. Fairytale.
The benefit began with a preview of Galli’s newest fairytale production, Aladdin (see our calendar for performances in August). The performance was followed by a lecture from Johannes Galli, the theater’s founder, about the healing power of fairytales. “When children are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, their needs go far beyond what even the best medical care can provide,” Galli said. “Dr. Fairytale brings the transformational power of fairytales to these kids when they are beset with crisis and need support.”
The night ended with a new “healing” performance by Dr. Maya called Are You a Wolf? Through storytelling and music by Michael Jackson, Dr. Maya explained to the audience how the seven chakras (energy levels) in our body work and what we have to do to keep them healthy. In the tale, a young goat escapes the big bad wolf (a symbol of illness) by hiding in a clock tower, which represents the human heart.
Dr. Fairytale’s programs, available at no cost to those in need, include interactive performances, an acting program, a companionship program for bed rest-only children, and a family support/enrichment program. Dr. Fairytale also trains medical staff in storytelling and how to better understand a sick child’s needs through body language.
For more information about Dr. Fairytale or to make a donation, visit www.active.com/donate/DrFairytale.
