Summary
Organization name
Maryville University's Kids Rock Cancer
Address
650 Maryville University DriveSt. Louis, MO 63141
How Do Kids "Rock" Cancer?
In one or two sessions, typically lasting an hour or two , a board-certified music therapist helps the child express a set of thoughts and ideas that can be written down and turned into lyrics for a song. The child and therapist work together to compose a tune for the lyrics. The child then sings into a microphone and "stars" in the song they have written, with background instrumentation provided by guitar, keyboard and computer software. When they have finished, the child receives a CD recording as a legacy piece that becomes uniquely his or her own.
Where Do Kids Rock Cancer?
Kids Rock Cancer helps children find their inner musician at the following locations: SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center; St. Louis Children's Hospital; Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis, Mercy Hospital St. Louis, and Ronald McDonald House (on the campus of Mercy Hospital). Special group sessions have also taken place at Camp Rainbow (for children with cancer), Camp Crescent (for children with sickle cell disease) and other locations.
Did You Know?
The program has expanded to help kids whose family members (mom, dad or sibling) are battling cancer. Kids (and many adults!) may have trouble processing the impact of life-changing events like cancer diagnosis and treatment. Creating a story through music helps not only the kids but the entire family respect one another's feelings and concerns, as well as rejoice in each other's insights.
Mission
Kids Rock Cancer is an innovative program that helps children successfully cope with the unique emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Through the proven healing power of music therapy, Kids Rock Cancer helps children combat feelings of anxiety, depression, uncertainty and helplessness. The program provides a vehicle for self-expression, a sense of self-esteem and accomplishment, a distraction from the physical and emotional pain and a sense of joy and optimism.
Media gallery
Organization Data
St. Louis, MO 63141