hope2day Initiates Healing Through Laughter–Global Impact Project–Realizes a Child’s Vision

hope2day, Limited, (http://www.hope2day.org/) a registered charity and Public Benevolent Institution, announced today development of a new global initiative. The project, inspired by a young Australian boy’s vision gained support of iconic American comedian Jerry Lewis. For over 60 years Jerry Lewis’ compassion raised over $2.6-billion for children with chronic illness. Help make a difference give@ http://www.hope2day.org/projects/.

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Lochie Graham meets his hero Jerry Lewis to talk over Lochie's idea for developing a program of healing through laughter for children with chronic illness. Jerry's first thought was, "yes lets do this, it offers wonderful possibilities for my kids who live with a disability to have the best possible care." (Photo: Business Wire)

“As a foster brother to over 80 kids, it seems to me that every child’s world is better when they can laugh–despite the terrible things in their lives. It’s my hope and dream that one day children around the world will have a place where they can learn to heal through laughter,” says Lochie Graham.

An Idea Drawn on a Napkin Transforms Into A Vision Of Hope & Healing

When Lochie was 7-years old, he drew a picture of a house where children who live with chronic illness could feel safe, find joy, and learn to heal using humor. The picture landed in front of Jerry Lewis. Immediately Mr. Lewis understood what Lochie created and promised to help support the idea. The project centers developing an evidenced-based program driven by research, grounded in comedy, humor and play.

“hope2day charity exists to support people in need, believes every person has the right to expect community support when they need it the most: (http://www.hope2day.org/about-hope2day). hope2day brings together individuals and organizations passionate about social impact, providing a framework for them to make a real and lasing difference,” states David Jack, Director, hope2day.

Partnerships with The University of Sydney (http://sydney.edu.au/research.html) and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (http://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/) have been established to explore the science of healing through laughter.

FSG Australia http://www.fsg.org.au/ has partnered with hope2day to enable and contribute to the development and piloting of the Healing Through Laughter program.

About hope2day, Limited

The charity’s vision is to support, educate and empower the lives of people in need with meaningful, lasting impact. hope2day develops programs to support, children, families, the elderly and indigenous people who live with chronic disease, disability, poverty, homelessness and social or financial disadvantage,. hope2day is a registered Australian Public Benevolent Institution and Deductible Gift Recipient: http://www.hope2day.org/about-hope2day/

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