Do you know the one thing that can improve respiration, lower blood pressure, improve cardiac output, reduce heart rate and relaxed muscle tension? Music can. Envision therapeutic singing, songwriting, adapted guitar and piano lessons, music-assisted relaxation and recording projects. Some are upbeat and exciting while others are calm and relaxing. These are the basics of music therapy. Music therapy is changing the way we can provide holistic services to our patients to treat the whole person. Our music therapist at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Bridget Sova, works with our children as they undergo painful procedures, provide distraction for ongoing pain and to create a more child-like and fun atmosphere. She also provides ways for children and teens to express their feelings experimenting with instruments and through song writing. Spectrum Health Cancer Center has two music therapists, Erin Wegener and Alika Seu who provide individual and group sessions at Spectrum Health Cancer Center at Lemmen-Holton and the Lettinga Inpatient Cancer Center in Butterworth Hospital. Patients have an opportunity to interact with the musicians and music therapists while enjoying the music. The music used in therapy has been specifically written to address relaxation, imagery, mood and emotions, and to support the unique needs of cancer patients.As you might imagine, music therapy is not a service that is reimbursed by insurance. That is why your gift is so valuable.
Spectrum Health Foundations