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A Free Bird is an organization that helps young people (ages 4-18) affected by cancer to fight through their disease through the therapeutic effects of the arts in everyday life. A Free Bird was established in 2008 and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by January 2011. The organization was recognized by the NYC Mayoral Service Recognition Program for their volunteer efforts, as well as the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs. A Free Bird provides artistic resources to hospitals and pediatric cancer patients in order to create an opportunity for children to express their ideas and develop their passions during treatment.

A Free Bird is an entirely volunteer-based organization with 100% of the donations and fundraiser proceeds going directly towards art programs. A Free Bird is currently operating out of New York and New Jersey while helping children nationwide.

Inspiration
The idea for A Free Bird was born out of the artistic energy experienced first-hand by singer/songwriter and makeup artist, Godni Amir; founder, president and creative director of the organization. When Godni’s voice teacher’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, she had to stop teaching most of her students to be her husband’s primary caregiver. Soon after, she was also diagnosed with cancer. Although she and her husband struggled to defeat the disease, she continued to pursue her passion for the arts.

Motivated his voice teacher’s determination to continue teaching him and pursuing her artistic endeavors, Godni was inspired to write music and poetry that reflected her benevolent spirit, which led to the creation of A Free Bird poem. After seeing how creative energy could provide solace and inspiration to cancer patients, Godni wanted to share the healing power of the arts with other patients. A Free Bird was then created, passing on the message that everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves and fly free.

Mission
A Free Bird’s mission is to help children affected by cancer find the artist within themselves and to inspire them through the Dream program, educate them through the Fight Free Program, and celebrate them through the Free program.

The artistic resources are accessible in all art forms and made available to kids, their parents, and hospitals with the help of collaborative partners, including museums, dance companies, musicians, theater companies and more. A Free Bird works closely with their partners to help children affected by cancer and other illnesses.

A Free Bird provides artistic tutors to children, organizes and hosts “Art Days” at hospitals, and continues to provide opportunities for artistic growth once in remission.The three programs at A Free Bird which includes Dream, Fight Free, and Free, are used to help jump start and nourish the artistic careers of the children.

Inspiration
“Inspiring young artists affected by cancer through exposure to the robust artistic offerings of New York City."

Dream provides tickets for a young artist, parental guardian, and an A Free Bird supervisor to attend a show or concert that may include visits to one of the many famous arts institutions throughout New York City such as the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, the Guggenheim Museum or one of many Broadway shows.

Education
“Educating pediatric cancer patients through one-on-one artistic memberships and enriching children’s treatment process through the therapeutic creative process."

Fight Free provides pediatric cancer patients ages 6-18 with art tutors and creative mentors in a one-on-one context, allowing them to continue practicing their favorite art form even while undergoing treatment. A Free Bird collaborates with university art students and NYC cultural institutions to provide kids with both an outlet for their creative energies and a source of strength and power necessary to help them fight their illness. Lessons are arranged on a weekly basis, or every two to three weeks, depending on the needs and desires of the patient. Lessons are provided on both an inpatient and an outpatient basis and are open to extension beyond the treatment period. A Free Bird provides the necessary tools and allows instructors to come directly to the hospital or a child’s place of residence. With curriculum covering all artistic areas (music, acting, creative writing, visual arts, etc.), children will work towards accomplishing a goal specific to their chosen field.

Celebration
FREE (Ages 4-13) and FREE PRO (Ages 14-18) strives to meet the needs of children who are in remission from cancer. The program supports each individual’s artistic progress that may have been stymied during their hospitalization and celebrates their journey both as an artist and a survivor of cancer. The FREE program provides young survivors with a wide range of arts lessons including music, acting, poetry, graphic design, singing, and any other passions they seek to explore. A Free Bird connects them with professionals that can help guide them in their artistic pursuits and provide information about grants, contests, publishers, and other outlets our young artists can utilize while developing their artistic career.

In Popular Culture

 * Mentioned June 2016, on Pix11 “It’s a ‘G’ Thing: Local nonprofit, A Free Bird, helps inspire and empower kids with cancer through the arts”
 * Mentioned 2016 NYC Service, mentioned in NYC Mayoral Service Recognition Program
 * Mentioned March 2015, on NY1 “Students Raise Money for Art Therapy Organization”
 * Mentioned April 2015, on Brooklyn News 12 “Brooklyn teen turns to art after beating cancer”