“Art is my life; writing is in my blood.”

– Faris D.

We believe every child should have access to art as a part of their plan of care. We witnessed the healing power of art in Faris’ cancer journey. These experiences, along with a growing body of scientific research, confirm that art – in all forms – can be transformative in the lives of children and families.

Our Approach

We bring transformative creative arts programs to children with cancer and their families.

We embed art and music therapists at children’s cancer centers, host art parties, facilitate community collaborations, and help create magical spaces – like art studios and recording studios – for art making and creativity.

Programs & Partnerships

The Faris Foundation embeds highly qualified, rigorously-trained art therapists, music therapists, and creative arts specialists at sites serving children with cancer across the country. Services are always provided free of charge to patients and families. In hospital settings, these professionals are a part of the medical team, working closely with physicians, nurses, and child life specialists to foster hope and healing through individualized treatment plans and opportunities for creative expression.

We welcome inquiries for collaboration from hospitals and organizations that serve pediatric cancer patients. Please review our grant guidelines to learn more about opportunities for support. 

Active Music Engagement Evidence-to-Action Initiative (2026-2027)

The Active Music Engagement Evidence-to-Action Initiative is one of the first large-scale efforts in the US to transform music therapy research into practice. Led by Indiana University School of Nursing researcher Sheri Robb, PhD, MT-BC, and supported by a $380,000 grant from The Faris Foundation, this initiative will translate decades of music therapy research into practical tools that improve supportive care for children with cancer and their families. 

With 25+ years of research demonstrating that their rigorously developed music therapy intervention can reduce patient distress, improve family well-being, and lessen traumatic stress symptoms, Dr. Robb and her team are poised to take on a new challenge: ensuring that proven research findings reach clinical practice and the families who stand to benefit most. 

Learn More:

Dr. Sheri Robb

Art Therapy at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center (Houston, TX)

Jen Sullivan, MA, ATR-BC is The Faris Foundation Art Therapist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, the nation’s largest pediatric cancer center, where she facilitates individual, family, and group art therapy sessions. In 2023, programming opportunities were expanded with the opening of The Faris Foundation Art Studio, a one-of-a-kind studio space featuring an original mural by artist Ashley Mary. Since opening, the studio has become a treasured space for pediatric cancer patients and their families to make art, be inspired, and connect with each other.

Learn More:

Music Therapy at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital (Houston, TX)

Melissa Melo, MS, MT-BC is The Faris Foundation Music Therapist at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. Equipped with additional training in Hospice & Palliative Care Music Therapy, as well as Neurologic Music Therapy, Melissa accompanies patients and families at all stages in their journey. In Spring 2023, The Faris Foundation Mobile Recording Studio made its debut at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. The studio is fully loaded with state-of-the-art music production technology, and can be used by patients right at their bedside.

Learn More:

Creative Arts Therapy Fellowship at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital (New York, NY)

The Faris Foundation works with the team at Mount Sinai to support a unique Creative Arts Therapy Fellowship that serves pediatric cancer patients and families, while also providing opportunities for fellows to gain experience working with this special patient population. Emily Koffsky is the 2025-2026 Faris Foundation Creative Arts Therapy Fellow at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. This Fellowship continues the legacy of the Harv Toback Creative Arts Therapy Fellowship (2017-2020).

Learn more:

Creative Arts Program at Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston (Houston, TX)

The Faris Foundation Creative Arts Program at RMHC Greater Houston is the first of its kind among Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide. This program is led by Creative Arts Specialist Diana Sanchez. Individual and group programming is intentionally designed to support resiliency, empowerment, self-esteem, and coping, and is freely available to all families at the House. 

 

Art Parties & Celebrations (Houston, TX)

We also facilitate opportunities for volunteers to “share their sparkle” at our Art Parties hosted at our partner sites. If you’re interested in joining, sign up here for more info.