ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - More and more research shows the healing power of music, but Maryville University and music therapists are taking it to another level, making a difference in the lives of sick children.
Board certified music therapist and musician Jaime Kennington leads Maryville University's "Kids Rock Cancer" program, developed 12 years ago, "The program is a non-profit. It is free for families. What the program does is provide board-certified music therapy services to children diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder, or it they've had a family member affected by a blood disorder or cancer diagnosis."
With the help of Kennington and another therapist, therapeutic song writing is offered. "Music therapy creates a safe environment. It's a safe playground. A lot more we've seen has come out in their song writing than other traditional types of therapies," says Kennington. "It's a session where we get to walk in and meet the child and the family. Right then we write a song, and within about two hours they have their own song recorded. It used to be on a CD. Now, it's on a USB drive."
Kennington says the session is child-led, and the sessions can vary depending on the stage of their treatment, "The music is a vehicle to give these children a voice, when really their voice has been taken while going through the treatment process."
More details are available at www.kidsrockcancer.org
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