Sasha Bogosian, now 18, turned her own recovery from major leg surgery into a $100k fundraiser that keeps art therapy running in children’s hospitals.
The science is clear: guided creative expression can drop a child’s systolic blood pressure by up to 5 mmHg and calm anxious breathing.
When kids hold a paintbrush or sing, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, slowing heart rate and easing muscle tension, which in turn boosts motor skill gains.
Her charity funds the Mark Taper‑Johnny Mercer Artists Program at CHLA, where visiting artists help kids talk about grief, frustration, or fear while lying in bed.
Because insurance rarely covers these services, donations like Sasha’s plug the gap; a few dollars from a family or a local brand can keep a full‑time therapist on staff.
If you’re a caregiver, try a quick doodle or a sing‑along during medication time. Ask the hospital’s therapy team if art therapy is an option for your child—small creative moments can make a big difference.