Only Make Believe performs for children between the ages of 4 and 16 living with chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, physical disabilities, chronic depression, cerebral palsy, ADHD, post-traumatic stress syndrome and autism.

"Thanks for coming. You make it easier being here and we will miss you."

"This was the best day of my life!"

"If I were going to write a show it would be about how heroes always beat villains."

"My favorite show was Tuff DumE because I loved his raps."

"Thanks for not kicking me out even when I was acting bad."

Thank you for making our dreams come true."

Only Make Believe works with many dedicated and talented professionals in the healthcare industry including child life specialists, activity therapists, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatric doctors, music & drama therapists. With their support, OMB has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children

"Live theater for most of the children was something they had never experienced and, until now, had no concept of."

"One boy learned the Only Make Believe song after the very first show, and sang it every time he came into the clinic, whether OMB was there or not."

"One child who is autistic and often hates group activities has come to love OMB so much he volunteers for almost all audience participation."

"At one of the last performances, there was a little girl newly admitted. She had been crying and oppositional since her admission earlier that day. She spoke only Spanish making it harder for us to reach her. Only the MD & social worker who met with her briefly could speak with her. OMB dressed her up as a princess (head to toe), sat her in the front row and she smiled and laughed for the entire show, even though she understood little. Afterwards, she ran up to Terri, one of the OMB actors, and hugged her."

"Even teenagers enjoyed participating in the workshops. One 15 year old was disappointed to hear he had a procedure and would miss the last show. He made the CLS promise to tell the actors he enjoyed the program and wish them farewell."

"We have sung the 'I'm not afraid no more, no more' song in the treatment room, reminding a little girl of Mickey's bravery to help with her fear of needles."

"The children had an opportunity to use their creative spirit and think about something other than being ill and in the hospital."

"It is very nice to hear (and see) the children 'belly laugh.' There are some scenes where they all just screech with laughter and it's so nice to see that."