MFGS Community Outreach

I've looked at life from both sides now

From win and lose and still somehow

It's life's illusions I recall

I really don't know life at all

Volunteering to play music for patients and families at the Karmanos Institute was a very personal experience for me.  In February of 2002 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  After getting over the initial shock and evaluating my treatment options, I received External 3D Conformal Beam radiation treatments every weekday for the month of April.  On May 30th I went into St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Pontiac for a surgical procedure to implant radioactive materials directly into my prostate (brachytherapy). 

After this procedure, I awoke to the sound of live harp music.

I cannot begin to adequately describe the effect this had on me.  It was reassuring and soothing and calming and friendly and caring and personal - and much more.  I was very touched by the music (some fine Turlough O'Carolyn tunes for all you Irish harper fans).  But I was more touched by the fact someone thought enough of me and my little problems to come and play some music for a short while.

Consequently, when the opportunity presented itself to do the same for another person, I jumped at it and the experience was very rewarding.

Kristine Frias, the Music Therapist for Karmanos, had arranged for me to play for two specific patients.  I can't say I have every played for a more appreciative audience.  It was amazing to see their enthusiasm and delight. 

One person (a fellow guitar player) sat up and grinned from ear to ear as I played.  And when I got done playing a couple of tunes on my mountain dulcimer for him, I let him hold my dulcimer in his lap to try it out... He was delighted!

The other patient was a woman scheduled for surgery in a couple of days.  Her reaction was more relaxed.  She just settled back on her propped-up bed and you could see her physically relax as I played.  She too was interested in the mountain dulcimer so I let her tickle it as well. 

Lastly, I spent a half-hour or so in the atrium of the outpatient clinic where patients and families await appointments, etc...  This was basically playing live background music (acoustic wallpaper) in any public area... there was no real personal interaction other than you could see folks peeking over their books and magazines every once in a while to watch for a bit.  Folks walking by usually smiled at me (at least it looked like smiles and not grimaces!) as they passed.

In total, the experience was well organized.  Kristine, met me at the door, arranged for complimentary valet parking, had a planned schedule for the visit, accompanied me throughout, and even graced me by playing her flute while I sang and played "The Water is Wide" on the mountain dulcimer...

Yep, I broke ALL the rules... played a non-guitar for a few tunes - even daring to use a pick (but only on the dulcimer).. and SANG a tune too... I hope this behavior does not endanger my MFGS membership!

So that's my look at this opportunity from both sides now - patient and provider.  I strongly urge each of you to try this.  The rewards far outweigh the effort involved to do it. 

...Not just another pretty mountain dulcimer player... Dan House