Kids rock for good cause…Music therapy helps young cancer patients

Alison Cole, lead music therapist, sings along with young cancer patients and family that battle cancer. Photo courtesy of Kids Rock Cancer by Ashley Winters | The St. Louis American & Music therapy isn’t just one thing. It can sound like a tambourine over a bass guitar rift, or a child singing about how silly they feel. It can even sound like a heartbeat. Anything can be music and, for 15 years, & Maryville University Kids Rock Cancer has used music therapy to help young patients cope with cancer.& & The university provides board-certified music therapists to help children, aged from newborn to 18, and their families use music and songwriting as a therapeutic vehicle for self-expression. & This year’s annual benefit is a special Mother’s Day Tribute Concert titled “Mom’s Playlist.” It’s the program’s signature event, and it’s being held on May 8 at the Sheldon Concert Hall at 7 p.m. St. Louis’ own Brian Owns is the featured performer. & Kids Rock Cancer is an innovative program that helps children and their loved ones manage the unique emotional challenges caused by cancer or blood-related disorders. & The program was established in 1972 by former Development Director Dr. Cynthia...