24 June 2025
«Planet of Dreams» provides moments of light-heartedness at the children's hospice
The Theodora Foundation brings joy and lightheartedness to hospitalised children. With the introduction of its seventh programme, the foundation’s Giggle Doctors are now also visiting the first Swiss children’s hospice, allani in Bern. Through music, magic and empathetic interaction, they create precious moments of carefree fun – for the children, their families and the nursing staff.
A place of comfort and support
The allani children’s hospice opened in 2024 as the first of its kind in Switzerland. It offers families with chronically or terminally ill children with a shortened life expectancy a loving environment where they can recharge their batteries and spend valuable time together. «Our vision is for families to experience moments of peace and normality here,» says André Glauser, Managing Director of allani. On the presence of the Theodora Foundation, he says: «I am fascinated every time by how sensitively the Giggle Doctors respond to the young patients, making them laugh and often even encouraging them to join in. This time is incredibly valuable and always brings a smile to our faces too.»
Artistic support with great empathy
As part of trial visits, Giggle Doctors Dr Gili Gili and Dr Carusela have been visiting the allani children’s hospice regularly since September 2024. With great sensitivity, they tailor their performances to the individual needs of the children: musical interludes, poetic moments of magic or interactive stories allow everyday life to fade into the background for a short time.
Thanks to positive feedback from parents, the allani team and the Theodora dream doctors, the visits are now a regular feature at allani. As a children’s hospice is neither a hospital nor an institution for children with disabilities, the Theodora Foundation has developed a special programme for this unique environment: «Planet of Dreams».
I had a very nice encounter with a patient and his mother. The next time I was at allani for a meeting, the mother called out to me from a distance and told me that her son had recognised my voice and turned in my direction. Our visits to allani take place in very intimate moments and a personal setting – that always touches me deeply.
A planet full of possibilities
Finding the right name for this programme was a multi-stage process. Employees of the Theodora Foundation and allani, as well as the general public, were invited to submit suggestions. In the end, «Planet of Dreams» hit the mark. The name stands for a special place – a world of its own, full of magic, lightness and security.
Like a distant planet, it invites you to escape everyday life for a moment and be transported to a world of fantasy and poetry. For the children in the hospice, it is not just a visit – it is a journey to a place where dreams and emotions can fly free.
A partnership with a future
The collaboration between the Theodora Foundation and allani is a significant step for both organisations. The visits to the children’s hospice are planned as a long-term commitment with the official launch of the «Planet of Dreams» programme. In addition, the Theodora Foundation is already in contact with other hospice projects with a view to bringing magical moments to children and their families with «Planet of Dreams». The visits are free of charge for allani and the other hospitals and institutions visited – the foundation finances its activities through donations and corporate partnerships.
I am fascinated every time the Giggle Doctors from the Theodora Foundation come to allani. It is wonderful to see how sensitively they interact with the sick children, making them laugh and often even encouraging them to join in. This time is incredibly valuable and always brings a smile to our faces too.
The Theodora Foundation makes its mark in Geneva’s parking lots