Martial artist Leif Becker visits with patient Myles Lewis and his father, Fredrick Lewis. Mr. Becker breaks boards to symbolize the power of hope over adversity.
In partnership with the nonprofit enCourage Kids Foundation, Leif Becker, a martial artist and motivational speaker, recently met with pediatric patients at the Blau Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disease at Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai. Mr. Becker holds a world record for breaking wooden boards (487 in one minute). In preparation for his visit, patients and families had decorated wooden boards depicting their personal obstacles or challenges. Mr. Becker shattered the boards to symbolize breaking through barriers.
“The smiling faces as he effortlessly broke the boards were a testament to the power to spread a message of hope over adversity,” says Cheryl F. Strauss, Zone Clinical Coordinator, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department, Kravis Children’s Hospital. Pediatric patients who were unable to attend the visit shared stories and asked questions from their hospital rooms via a KidZone TV live broadcast.