Wednesday, September 4, 2019

HeroTV 2019: Episode 7 Chuck Gekas and Open Heart Magic

The newest episode of HeroTV, Chuck Gekas and Open Heart Magic, is now airing on Comcast. It can also be watched on YouTube at HeroTV 2019: Chuck Gekas and Open Heart Magic.
This is a very special episode to me. It features my great friend Chuck Gekas. I have known Chuck for 25+ years. He's like a brother to me and I value his friendship dearly.
Chuck is also "an every day hero," as my HeroTV co-host PL Myers would say. Chuck is a volunteer with Open Heart Magic, am organization that brings magic to hospitalized children.
I don't often discuss my childhood, but those close to me know that I spent a lot of time in hospitals. Those were scary, dark and lonely times. A whole world was happening outside and I was in a hospital bed with no control over anything. The television was my only real salvation, but back then, there wasn't a lot of choices on tv.
While technological advances have brought a lot more entertainment options for kids, hospital stays are still scary and sad. Any break from the tedium is greatly appreciated.
This is where Chuck and other magicians of Open Heart Magic shine. These volunteers perform in-room magic for kids in area hospitals. The tricks are interactive, giving the kids options and choices. These magic shows bring happiness to the kids and their family and friends.
When PL invited me to be his co-host on HeroTV, Chuck was one of the first people I had in mind. It took a while to finally get this done, but it is exactly what I wanted it to be. It showcases my dear friend and this awesome organization. Chuck is too humble to call himself a hero, but to the hundreds of kids he has entertained, he is just that. As a former hospitalized kid, on behalf of other kids, I thank Chuck from my heart. In my eye, he is a hero.
After you watch the episode, be sure to check out OpenHeartMagic.org for more information.
PL Myers, Chuck Gekas and me in Elmhurst, IL-July 2019.

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