Evelyn Iocolano - Co-Founder & Executive Director of Lollipop Theater Network

Beyond The O.R. With Dr. Brenner

We’re issuing a call to action on this very special episode of Beyond the O.R. with Dr. B, featuring a woman whose organization is creating transformational moments of relief for kids battling chronic, often life-threatening illnesses. Evelyn Iocolano, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Lollipop Theater Network, shares the moving story of how she and her team have come to deliver first-run, top-flight entertainment to hospital bedsides. In addition to securing the right to show films that are barely in movie theaters, Lollipop has also developed online programming that brings celebrity storytelling, animation classes and chats with big-screen heroes to kids stuck in sterile health care facilities all around the nation. It’s an irresistibly feel-good nonprofit that has enlisted big support and big hearts among Hollywood’s entertainment elite. Everyone from Zendaya to Tim Allen to the Jonas Brothers and Hugh Jackman have gone all in, bringing delight (and star-struck surprise) to the faces of young patients whose lives can often feel isolated, monotonous or outright bleak. “We believe it helps with their healing,” says Evelyn, whose acting aspirations have for now taken a backseat to her passion for sharing the joy. “It changes your perspective and spirit.” Learn how Evelyn keeps her batteries charged and why the moments of grace are enough to keep volunteers going on even the toughest days. You’ll come away from this conversation ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute, whether through a donation of any size, getting a program started in your hometown or – most important of all – posting about all things #LollipopTheaterNetwork on all your favorite social media platforms! Be part of this contagiously positive effort to give kids battling acute conditions (and the people who love and care for them) the chance to forget where they are and what they’re up against while enjoying some good, old-fashioned Hollywood magic!

Feeling moved by Evelyn’s amazing nonprofit? (And who wouldn’t be?) You’re in good company! Visit this link to learn more, find out about celebrity sponsors, get involved and make a contribution!

You can also follow video stories about the many ways in which celebrities like Anne Hathaway and the Jonas Brothers have been part of the healing process through their outreach among hospitalized kids around the country. It’s all available at the Lollipop Theater Network’s inspiring YouTube channel.

Most importantly, something everyone can do to help: Follow @LollipopTheater on social media and share their information with friends. You can help spread the word – and the love – across platforms like FacebookandInstagram! The more followers, the more buzz and sponsorship!