Michael Tulkoff was recently featured in Ha?aretz newspaper for his work as what he calls a ?medical magician?. Tulkoff visits children in hospitals all over Israel as ?Magic Michael?, makes them laugh, entertains them with some magic, and helps the kids get through what for some can be a traumatic experience in hospital. ?I try to introduce a degree of empowering the children too,? Michael told Ha?aretz.
But that?s not all. According to the newspaper, Tulkoff makes sure that his ?play? is going to help the children on the physical plane, as well. After getting a briefing from the medical staff, Tulkoff tailors the entertainment to help the child work on those areas that need strengthening, such as blowing bubbles for children who need to strengthen their lungs. Tulkoff also remains ?on call? sometimes, in order to serve as distraction for a child having trouble dealing with necessary medical procedures.
According to Ha?aretz, Michael Tulkoff imported his trade from Baltimore, Maryland, just over one year ago, when he and his family made aliyah to Rehovot. In Maryland, he worked in marketing and as a children?s magician, including shifts at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In Israel, Tulkoff has been volunteering at the Kaplan Medical Center. And in October, the newspaper reported, ?he began teaching medical wizardry and balloon sculpting at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikvah as part of a course called ?Humor in the Care of Sick Children in Hospitals?.?
?Children smile in the same way all over the world,? Tulkoff told Ha?aretz. But his treatment is directed at the parents and hospital staff, as well, he says, noting, ?Goofing around is a great antidote against burnout.?
For more information, see http://www.KidsMagician.com. To help support, continue and expand the ?humor in healing? program in Israel, you may send US Tax Deductible contributions made out to ?American Friends of Chaiyanu?, care of Chai Lifeline, 151 West 30th St. New York, NY 10001. Donations must be earmarked, "Tulkoff Medical Magician Program".
But that?s not all. According to the newspaper, Tulkoff makes sure that his ?play? is going to help the children on the physical plane, as well. After getting a briefing from the medical staff, Tulkoff tailors the entertainment to help the child work on those areas that need strengthening, such as blowing bubbles for children who need to strengthen their lungs. Tulkoff also remains ?on call? sometimes, in order to serve as distraction for a child having trouble dealing with necessary medical procedures.
According to Ha?aretz, Michael Tulkoff imported his trade from Baltimore, Maryland, just over one year ago, when he and his family made aliyah to Rehovot. In Maryland, he worked in marketing and as a children?s magician, including shifts at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In Israel, Tulkoff has been volunteering at the Kaplan Medical Center. And in October, the newspaper reported, ?he began teaching medical wizardry and balloon sculpting at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikvah as part of a course called ?Humor in the Care of Sick Children in Hospitals?.?
?Children smile in the same way all over the world,? Tulkoff told Ha?aretz. But his treatment is directed at the parents and hospital staff, as well, he says, noting, ?Goofing around is a great antidote against burnout.?
For more information, see http://www.KidsMagician.com. To help support, continue and expand the ?humor in healing? program in Israel, you may send US Tax Deductible contributions made out to ?American Friends of Chaiyanu?, care of Chai Lifeline, 151 West 30th St. New York, NY 10001. Donations must be earmarked, "Tulkoff Medical Magician Program".