Every day as we venture out into the world, guitars on our backs & voices ready to share our hearts—we strive to honor, respect & dignify the whole person & whole life of everyone we serve: patient, loved ones, caregivers. We offer music therapy alongside our colleagues who provide expert medical, emotional, and spiritual support. Music can reach people directly, offering relief, connection, and meaning at a time when words alone often fall short. As we lace up for our annual Walk for Hospice, we invite you to join us in sustaining this vital service—an investment that Medicare does not cover, but that makes a significant difference in the lives we serve.

Some of the many aspects of end-of-life care music therapists address:

1. Relieving Physical Discomfort
Research shows that rhythm & melody, especially created live with & for the patient in the moment, stimulate the brain’s natural pain‑modulating pathways, releasing endogenous opioids that lessen the perception of pain. Music played & sung to entrain with our patient directly can also help regulate breathing, easing the breathlessness that many hospice patients endure. By integrating music therapy into daily care, we give our patients a non‑pharmacologic option to manage symptoms, reducing reliance on additional medications and their potential side effects.

2. Calming Anxiety and Elevating Mood
End‑of‑life journeys are often accompanied by anxiety, fear, and depression. Familiar, patient-preferred songs can lowers cortisol levels, fostering a sense of safety and calm. The dopamine boost that music provides can brighten moods, bringing moments of joy even amid serious illness. These emotional benefits ripple outward, easing the burden on caregivers and families who witness their loved ones’ distress.

3. Fostering Connection and Legacy
Our patients often grouse about “the music the kids listen to today!” —and we sometimes ask them what parents or grandparents thought of their music. And it’s also true that music can bridge generations (“How Much Is that Doggie in the Window?” seems to bring everyone together!). When a patient shares a beloved tune, loved ones can find a shared point of reference that sparks stories, laughter, and tears—moments that deepen bonds when time feels fleeting. Many patients choose songs that reflect their life story, creating a living legacy that those left behind can revisit years into the future. This act of sharing preserves identity and affirms the person behind the diagnosis. 

4. Honoring Cultural and Spiritual Roots
Every individual carries a unique cultural tapestry, often woven with specific musical traditions. Our music therapists tailor sessions to honor these backgrounds, whether that means a hymn that comforts a Christian, a niggun that brings peace to a Jewish patient, or a folk ballad that recalls a hometown. We always sing & play only patient-preferred music. By respecting these preferences, we uphold the holistic philosophy of hospice—caring for body, mind, and spirit alike.

5. Empowering Choice and Autonomy
When people are receiving hospice services, many decisions are beyond their control. Choosing a song, a genre, or an instrument can restores a sense of agency and humanity. That simple act of selection reinforces dignity, reminding each person that they remain the author of their own story.

Your Impact on the Walk

Your generous contribution fuels a program that Medicare does not reimburse, yet one that profoundly improves quality of life. Funds raised ensure that we can continue to provide services by board-certified music therapists (BA or MA in music therapy). 

We are a small, strong team who have dedicated our lives to using our gifts in this way. We love our work, and we want to keep doing it. For that to happen, we need your help.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. Every dollar counts!
• Spread the Word: Share our fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you so much for your support! We couldn’t do this without you!