The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital Arts in Medicine program has one primary goal – to help young patients feel better. The program connects pediatric patients and their families to visual arts, music, theater and dance. Activities include community collaborations, large-scale projects, and one-on-one experiences. These opportunities give patients a sense of control and purpose, reduce anxiety and pain, make patients more comfortable in the hospital environment, and build community among patients and families. The Arts in Medicine program also offers music therapy to pediatric patients. Music therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety, build confidence, decrease pain and provide patients with positive social experiences. MD Anderson’s music therapist offers innovative care to patients in partnership with other members of the patient's care and support team.

Funding from Andy’s Challenge ensures that all pediatric patients and families have access to the high-quality, safe art materials utilized at bedside, in group programs, in the creation of large-scale collaborative art projects, and as part of the music therapy program. Thanks to this support, the Arts in Medicine program can utilize the arts to provide an opportunity for creative self-expression, comfort, and fun while receiving cancer treatment.