The Heart of the Triangle
sharing the vision, supporting the mission
of the triangle area non-prof it community
Laughter for Those Who Need It Most
by Megan Cutter
R
emember Robin Williams in the positive environment they need in Group hospitals around the country.
the role of the goofy and some- order to heal. Director Olivia Wood- RAC’s hope is to bring music therapy to
what rebellious medical student ford comments, “Many patients do not all seven Children’s Oncology Group
Patch Adams? Studies show volunteer expect programming that gives them hospitals in NC.”
programs in hospitals that include a feeling of joy. When they have this There’s nothing like alleviating
pet therapy, visual and creative arts, unexpected spontaneous experience of stress and anxiety, providing an outlet
and laughter help patients heal faster. joy, the relief and delight that follows to express their emotions during treat-
Utilizing these skills gives patients a often gives rise to laughter. This laughter ment, and attending special concerts
sense of play, comfort and connection emerges from a deep place within, of and events to put a smile on a child’s
while they are recovering from illness remembering and reconnecting to what face. Rock Against Cancer brings the
or surgery. is pleasurable.” healing power of music to children bat-
According to a study by the Uni- HAND programming includes tling cancer. They need your donations
versity of Maryland Medical Center, performers on every unit, an artist in to continue making music part of the
people with heart disease were 40% residence program, Art-Cart, Concert cure.
less likely to laugh in certain situations. Series, revolving exhibitions, a touch- Volunteer opportunities abound.
Laughter can protect the heart, circula- able art gallery, journaling sessions, Your talents are needed to bring laugh-
tory and immune system. For children an annual employee art show, and a ter and smiles to children and youth re-
in hospitals, it is even more important student volunteer group with more than covering from illness or surgery. Donate
to have a positive and uplifting environ- 50 members. In addition, the oncology to these organizations who are dedi-
ment. department has a pet therapy program. cated to helping bring laughter through
Door to Door, established in 1993, A urology nurse mentioned that the performance, music and the arts.
brings artists and performers to the services HAND provides “reach a place
UNC Hospitals. Performers choose the that pills never will.” HAND needs Door to Door
work they offer, allowing many oppor- volunteer performers, curators, gallery Joy Javits, Founder & Coordinator
tunities to bring smiles and laughter. docents, and administrative assistants. 410 Tadley Drive
Founder Joy Javitz comments, “We Rock Against Cancer (RAC) sup- Chapel Hill, NC 27514
bring in many types, including musi- ports the emotional needs of young 919-929-5355
cians, puppeteers, drummers, storytell- cancer patients with music therapy and joy@doortodoornc.com
ers, writers and magicians. Laughter special music events. RAC brings board www.doortodoornc.com
releases endorphins integral to the certified music therapists to the bed-
healing process, increases oxygen flow sides of children fighting cancer, with Health Arts Network at Duke
and relieves stress.” They are supported the goal of easing the anxiety, pain and Olivia Woodford, Director
by the UNC Volunteer Association, NC nausea. Founder Dr. Lisa L. White adds, Box 3017 DUMC
Arts Council, and the Medical Founda- “The music therapists also engage chil- Durham, NC 27710
tion of NC, Inc. dren in songwriting to help them ex- 919-613-6601
The Health Arts Network at Duke press difficult emotions. RAC provides
(HAND) was founded in 1978 to bring digital recording equipment to record Rock Against Cancer
visual, literary and performing arts to songs for children and teens. RAC pro- 4711 Hope Valley Road PMB #216
staff, patients and their families at Duke vides music therapy to Duke Children’s, Durham, NC 27707
Medical Center. Offering many types NC Children’s and Levine Children’s as 877-246-0976
of interactive programs gives patients well as eight top Children’s Oncology info@rockagainstcancer.org
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