MyMusicRx Delivers Music Medicine

Chloe is eleven years old, and for the past three years she has been fighting a brain tumor that she calls Fred. Throughout that time, Chloe and her family have gotten great peace from CCA’s Music Rx Program.  “Music has a way of creating a soundtrack for our lives that bring moments of joy in our happiest times, and comfort during tough ones,” says Chloe.  She went on to say, “For me, music gave me inspiration and hope for better days ahead.  Music was there when they found my tumor, when I had the surgery to remove it, when the tumor returned and even after my second surgery, which left me unable to eat, speak or walk. I have been through a lot, but Music Rx has been with me every step of the way.”

Chloe first learned about the Music Rx program when the music therapists would come into her hospital room and play songs for her.  Though, she was very weak and could only listen, she loved hearing the musicians who would play guitar in the hallways because they would lift her spirits when she was feeling sad or was in a lot of pain. Music Rx was also important for her family.  The harp players helped her sister relax when she was feeling scared, and Music Rx brought an important calm and sanity that her mom really needed.  Chloe’s mom says, “Music has a way of soothing the savage beast, making way for hope.”

Now that Chloe can do most everything on my own again, she thinks about all the moments she spent in the hospital and what got her through them. “The sounds can get depressing after a while…all the machines and beeping…sometimes sounds of pain, but the beautiful sounds of music created by Music Rx brought peace and helped lift our spirits.”

Links:

• www.JoyRx.org

Cy is a quiet, intelligent and articulate twelve-year-old boy who enjoys spending time on the computer or reading a good book. He describes himself as a computer geek, who has a silly side and loves to play practical jokes on the medical staff, “especially when I make them jump!” His mom describes him as the wisest person she knows.

In May of 2010, Cy was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Since then, he and his mother have spent most of their days in the hospital, while he has endured several rounds of chemotherapy as well as a bone marrow transplant. He really misses being at home, at school, and hanging out with his friends and his big brother, who he admiringly says is a computer nerd just like him…only “enlightened to a higher level of geekdom.”

One very special thing he and his mom have appreciated about being at the hospital is having the chance to experience the healing power of live harp music from CCA’s Music Rx team. “Music Rx brings a window of peace into his life here at the hospital,” says Beth, Cy’s mom. She went on to say, “Before their visits, I had no idea the harp had such a powerful impact on mind and body. I now regard Cy’s music sessions as essential components of his recovery.”

Cy has his own opinions about Music Rx, “To put a long story short, harp music is awesome! It makes the most beautiful sound and makes me feel so peaceful. All in all, the good in the hospital does outweigh the bad!”

Links:

• www.JoyRx.org