Volunteers dressed as princesses visit hospitals to bring joy to kids who can’t visit Disneyland

The idea of Disney princess volunteers began with a touching moment at a summer camp, where a child shared their fear of never getting to visit Disney due to illness.

Moved by the child’s words, Alyssa Banks launched the Princess Program Foundation to bring Disney-style magic to children too sick to travel. What started as a local effort quickly gained momentum.

By January 2020, it became an official nonprofit—and soon after, it went viral. With more than 700,000 followers on social media, the program has grown into a global movement, spreading joy to families worldwide.

Today, Disney princess volunteers bring comfort and joy to children facing serious illnesses by visiting them in hospitals, homes, and through virtual calls.

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the Princess Program Foundation now reaches families nationwide.

Alyssa and a dedicated team of “supporting actors” have turned the mission into a nationwide effort, InspireMore noted.

Dressed as familiar Disney princesses, the volunteers have one clear purpose: “to help kids fight with magic.”

When in-person visits aren’t possible, Zoom calls help keep the magic going—creating heartwarming moments for children worldwide.

Reflecting on her work, Alyssa says in her bio, “Seeing what these families go through and getting to bring them light and magic is the greatest gift of all.”

One TikTok comment perfectly captured the spirit of the Princess Program Foundation.

In response to a video showing nurses quietly watching the princesses interact with young patients, user Crystal Boswell—who goes by Karma—wrote, “Those aren’t nurses in the background, those are little girls who once had the same dream of being a princess.”

Her touching observation struck a chord with viewers and reflected the emotional impact of each visit.

Since its launch, the foundation has brought magic to hospitals like Boston, Orange County, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and Providence.

These visits are made possible through continued fundraising efforts, which help cover travel expenses and allow the team to reach more children nationwide.

Several ways exist to support the Princess Program Foundation and help it continue its mission. You can donate or purchase merchandise directly through their website.

The foundation also shares updates and videos on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Any support—whether through donations or simply spreading the word—can make a real impact and is greatly appreciated.

Beyond brightening the lives of children, the Princess Program offers much-needed relief to families.

While the Disney princess volunteers engage with the kids, parents and caregivers get a rare opportunity to take a break from their demanding roles.

This time can be used to run errands, give attention to other siblings, or simply recharge.

Families can schedule a Zoom call, hospital visit, or home visit via the foundation’s website to arrange a magical visit.

Childhood cancer

Childhood cancer includes cancers that affect children and teenagers, from infants to age 19, says Cleveland Clinic.

These cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and solid tumors, are rare but treatable, with many cases resulting in a cure.

In fact, more than 80% of children and teens diagnosed with cancer survive for at least five years after their diagnosis.

Each year, around 15,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advances in treatment, the survival rate has improved, and over 80% of these children live for five years or more.

However, the impact of childhood cancer extends beyond treatment. Survivors often require lifelong medical care to monitor and manage any long-term health effects caused by the disease or its treatment.

Meanwhile, here’s a heartwarming video of Disney princess volunteers in action, helping a kid fight with magic:

@princessprogramofficial They’re seeing her have her dream come true 🥺 #theprincessprogram #nurses #nursesoftiktok #nonprofit #princesscosplay #volunteer #pediatrics #pediatricnurse #wefightwithmagic ♬ Northern Attitude – Noah Kahan & Hozier