give a performance to entertain patients and families at MFCH.
Over 1,500 children with cancer and other serious illnesses at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital were better able to better cope with their illnesses in 2013 thanks to Variety New York’s grant to the hospital. The grant is in partnership with the Sherynn Rose Appel Fund in loving memory of their daughter.
Individual and group music therapy sessions are available to the many patients we serve. From the tiny babies in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to teenagers, music therapy helps pediatric patients and families cope with the stressful and often frightening situations caused by illness. Soothing or familiar music helps children manage their pain and stress, as well as encourages communication and self-expression.
Laurie Park is a certified music therapist at Maria Fareri Children Hospital, where she works with the doctors and nurses to serve patients who can benefit from the therapy. Laurie uses a variety of musical instruments and technology, including a Yamaha 88-key portable grand piano keyboard; acoustic, classical and electric guitars; drums; rhythm instruments; and professional grade recording equipment. These portable instruments and equipment can be moved from the kids’ bedsides to designated play spaces according to their needs.
Gifted visiting musicians also offer their talents to entertain our patients and families. Children’s singer Laurie Berkner gave an amazing show in our lobby recently, which brought joy to our toddler and preschool patients and siblings. Her performance was a special treat for the sister of a premature baby, and allowed the sister to have a wonderful experience at the hospital in spite of not being able to visit her baby sister in the NICU. The sister, with the help of the music therapist, was also able to make a CD of her own voice singing to her baby sister to help form a special bond during this challenging time.
MFCH and our patients and families are grateful for Variety’s support in enabling us to provide these very beneficial therapeutic experiences to those in need.