New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Friday, June 7, 2024...
Donation Provides Music Therapy for Palliative Care
The former Friends of the Arts Society has made a donation to honour the organization’s musical legacy. Just under $5,000 has been gifted to the Aberdeen Health Foundation to support Dr. Kwasnik-Krawczyk’s music therapy program in the Aberdeen Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.
The Society formed 25 years ago with a vision of turning the Roseland Theatre into a concert hall. Since that time, the concept evolved and Friends of the Arts became a supporter of local performing arts groups and visiting musicians. Though there were many people involved over the years, the Society was co-chaired by well-known local performing arts advocate and music teacher, the late Vesta Mosher.
“We are all aware of the tremendous impact music has in all stages of our lives,” says Friends of the Arts board member Vickie MacDonald. “I learned about the music therapy program from an article in the paper and thought it was a good fit for the organization’s remaining funds.” Fellow board members, Jennifer Whitehouse and George Bruce agreed with the selection.
Music therapy is used to address the cognitive, communicative, emotional and spiritual needs of patients. In palliative care, music is a powerful tool to facilitate relationships, help with pain control, and promote a sense of wellbeing. It can be used to stimulate memories, bring loved ones together, and aid in the emotional and spiritual expression of patients and their families.
“It is wonderful to see Dr. Kwasnik-Krawczyk’s innovative program being supported by an organization with a long legacy of providing enriching musical and artistic experiences in our community,” says Susan Malcolm of the Aberdeen Health Foundation. “To see their donation being used to facilitate wellbeing through music is a fitting and touching tribute.”