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Magic Touch
Where Magic Meets Medicine

Healing Beyond
Medicine

Through Wonder, Joy & Magic

At Magic Touch, we believe in the mesmerizing power of close-up magic and sleight of hand to heal beyond medicine. Our mission is simple: to bring smiles to those experiencing health challenges, lift their spirits, and help them momentarily forget their predicaments. Each moment of wonder rekindles hope when they need it most.

A young patient receiving a magic performance
Independent 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Who We Are

Where Magic Meets Medicine

Magic Touch is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy, wonder, and emotional healing to pediatric patients through close-up magic performances and physician magicians. We work within hospital settings to create moments of comfort, laughter, and hope during some of life’s most difficult times.

What We Do

Bringing Wonder to the Bedside

Close-Up Magic

Intimate, interactive magic performances that captivate and delight pediatric patients up close.

Group Magic Shows

Larger hospital shows that bring an entire ward together for shared moments of wonder and laughter.

Physician Magicians

Specially trained physician magicians who combine medical expertise with the art of magic.

Pediatric Engagement

Meaningful interaction with young patients that makes hospital stays more bearable and joyful.

Emotional Support

Human connection and entertainment that provides real comfort, relief, and hope to families.

Why It Matters

Healing Is More
Than Medicine

“A moment of wonder, laughter, or joy can provide emotional relief, restore hope, and create meaningful memories during difficult moments.”

Hospital environments can feel overwhelming and isolating for children and their families. At Magic Touch, we believe healing involves more than medicine alone — we fill the spaces that medicine cannot reach, touching hearts through wonder and genuine human connection.

Physician magician performing card magic in a hospital room
Physician magician performing at a children's hospital
Our Story

Born From Two Passions

Magic Touch began when Yasmin Shenassa started her journey as a Human Biology and Society major at UCLA while pursuing a future in medicine. Through her exposure to healthcare environments and pediatric patients, she recognized how emotional healing can be just as meaningful as physical treatment.

At the same time, Nathan Shenassa had spent much of his life fascinated by magic and sleight of hand, drawn to the unique way magic creates wonder through simplicity and instantly brings people together.

Together, they combined their passions for medicine, compassion, and magic to create Magic Touch: an organization built on the belief that healing goes beyond medicine alone.

Our Impact

Making a Difference

Legal Status
Independent 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Hospital Visits
Performing at Shriners Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles
Founded By
Student founders passionate about healing & wonder
Physician Magicians
Growing network of medically trained performers
Currently Serving
Pediatric patients across Los Angeles
In the Community

Where We Have Performed

We are grateful to the hospitals and institutions that have welcomed us and allowed us to bring moments of joy to their patients and families.

Shriners Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, California — Pediatric patient performances

Magic Touch Nonprofit

Meet
The Team

Yasmin Shenassa
Yasmin Shenassa
Founder

Yasmin is a senior at UCLA studying Human Biology and Public Health. She founded Magic Touch to bring moments of joy and wonder to pediatric patients through the help of physician magicians. She believes that a little sparkle in a child’s eyes and the hope behind it can go farther than we ever imagine.

Through her experiences in healthcare settings, Yasmin became passionate about the emotional side of healing — supporting patients beyond medicine alone. She hopes to expand Magic Touch to more hospitals and continue building a growing network of physician magicians dedicated to bringing hope and joy to children.

Fun fact: Yasmin loves exploring the connection between medicine, psychology, and human connection.
Nathan Shenassa
Nathan Shenassa
Executive Director

Nathan is a junior at Palisades Charter High School and has been passionate about magic since he was a little boy. His experience tutoring underprivileged children and working as a youth counselor reflects his passion for supporting and inspiring children.

Inspired by the unique ability of magic to create wonder through simplicity, he helped co-found Magic Touch to bring comfort and happiness to children facing difficult circumstances. He lives by the belief that small acts of kindness can create lasting impact and big waves of change.

Fun fact: Nathan is a huge fan of basketball, video games, and sleight-of-hand magic.
Our Team

Our Physician Magicians

Magic Touch performances are led by specially trained physician magicians who bring both medical expertise and the wonder of magic to every visit.

K
Dr. Kowalczyk
Physician Magician

A skilled physician magician bringing wonder and joy to pediatric patients through close-up magic and genuine human connection.

S
Dr. Shenassa
Physician Magician

Combining a background in medicine with a passion for magic, Dr. Shenassa brings laughter and moments of wonder to children and families during their hospital visits.

Stories of Impact

What People Are Saying

The magic performance completely transformed our child’s day and gave our family a moment of happiness we truly needed.

— Parent of a Pediatric Patient

Watching children smile and laugh again reminds us how important emotional healing is during treatment.

— Hospital Nurse

That was the coolest magic trick I’ve ever seen!

— Pediatric Patient
Transparency

Official 501(c)(3) Documentation

Magic Touch is fully committed to transparency. Our official IRS determination letter is available below.

IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

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Document Coming Soon

Provided for public transparency per IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Looking Ahead

Our Vision for the Future

Magic Touch is just getting started. We have big dreams for bringing more wonder to more children.

Expand to More Hospitals

Partner with additional children’s hospitals across Los Angeles and beyond.

Grow Our Network

Recruit and train more physician magicians dedicated to healing through wonder.

Increase Pediatric Outreach

Reach more children and families who need moments of joy during difficult times.

Continue Emotional Healing

Keep bringing magic, hope, and laughter to every child we have the privilege of visiting.

Stay in Touch

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you — whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering, or simply learning more about our work.

Magic Touch founders at a hospital visit
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