of EVENTS - Enloe Medical Center

Partnering with CSU, Chico and Chico performancesEnloe chimes in to the healing artsThe healing temples of ancient Greece inspiredthe philosophies of Planetree. It was discoveredthat music was often used in healing rituals torevitalize patients’ inner resources, restore theirwill to survive and rekindle the joy of living.Dedicated to the healing arts and Planetree,Enloe Medical Center developed the initiativeArts and Entertainment as Nutrition for the Soul.The Chico State Music Department and EnloeMedical Center created a new class called “Musicfor Healing and Wellness.” Also, a partnershipwith Chico Performances brings internationallyand critically acclaimed artists to Enloe.“Music can make a difference in patients’health and recovery,” says Lynda Sezon,Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist andRehabilitation Therapy Supervisor at the EnloeRehabilitation Center. “Some of the benefits ofmusic are that it can be used to enhance overallmood, promote relaxation, reduce anxietyand stress, and supplement other pain controlmethods.”On performance days in the Cancer Center,musical notes echo through the hall andcomplement the colorful origami cranes thathang from the ceiling. During a student duet,many stopped, enchanted by the music of aharp and flute. Two visitors playfully frolickedand danced to the music, making others laugh.“It’s beautiful,” a patient says. “It’s a real treat.”Harpist Lauren Sharkey and flutist MaryAliceKolko are in their second year of graduateschool. “Some employees were brought totears,” says Sharkey. “It feels good knowingwe are making a difference.” Students performweekly in the main lobby of the hospital, theEnloe Regional Cancer Center and the EnloeRehabilitation Center.“Students can use their music for a healingpurpose, and it changes their mindset,” saysKeith Seppanen, the Music Department Chairfor California State University, Chico, andprofessor of the class.Enloe’s partnership with Chico Performancesbrought members of the Grammy awardwinningSoweto Gospel Choir of South Africa tothe medical center on Oct. 13, 2008. With soulfilledvoices and sounds from a drum, the choirbrought smiles and tears of joy to patients andemployees on four floors of the medical centerduring their visit. On April 30, 2009, Enloe willco-sponsor rhythm master Joe Craven at LaxsonAuditorium, courtesy of Chico Performances.Craven will also play for patients and hospitalstaff during his Chico visit.Along with scheduling live performances, Enloerecently implemented a new music system thatpipes in relaxing, recorded music throughoutthe medical center.Employees sharetheir love for musicThe Cancer Center understood the benefitsof music even before Planetree’s inceptionat Enloe. A few dedicated employees havevolunteered their time to deliver a dose ofmusic to help patients feel better.For the past two years, David Pierce hasperformed guitar for Infusion Therapy patients.He has a knack for making patients laugh byplaying sweet and soft or lively music. “Musiccommunicates so much more richly thanwords,” says Pierce, Patient Support Clerk forthe Cancer Center.Ed Stopper sings with Pierce. “Music can be apositive distraction from the weightierDavid Pierce and Ed Stopper play for InfusionTherapy patients.Flutist MaryAlice Kolko and harpist Lauren Sharkeyperform at the Enloe Regional Cancer Center.problems,” says Stopper, CommunicationsSpecialist for Enloe’s Emergency Services. “Ifeel blessed and very fortunate that I can bringa bit of pleasure and time away from patients’worries, even if it’s only for a short time.”For four years, Janice Williams, Secretary forthe Environment of Care Department, hasvolunteered and performed for chemotherapypatients. She is a self-taught harpist andfocuses on Celtic and folk music. “Sometimespatients would ask me to play another songwhile being treated because they feel ithelps,” says Williams. “It’s rewarding playingfor those who truly benefit.” zThe Soweto Gospel Choir of South Africa brought music to Enloe Medical Center as part of Enloe’s partnership with Chico Performances.www.enloe.org 3