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Angel Song Expands to
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Marty Breeden, Vice President of Mission Integration for Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, understands the relationship between faith and health, and believes that woven into the mix is a spiritual soundtrack that enhances both. A musician himself, it never takes long for his conversation to turn to music.
Thus, it was during his first meeting with Sherry Lund, President of the Victoria Lund Foundation that she learned of his love for the mandolin, and he learned of her love for the harp. Sherry Lund is a visionary for the Harp Foundation. She shared why she strongly supports the Angel Song program.
“I think the harp program is magical and it creates a healing and calming environment. The emotional comfort and joy touches everyone in the room.”
Through their common commitment to provide quality spiritual care to Mercy Gilbert patients, they orchestrated a meeting with Rev. Joyce Buekers where Marty learned of scientific studies showing harp music to calm and soothe patients, especially the very young. All were convinced that Mercy Gilbert’s nationally recognized healing environment would be the perfect place for Sherry to expand her Angel Song Program. The Victoria Lund Foundation agreed to fund therapeutic harp music for three years at no cost to Mercy Gilbert.
Harpist Adrienne Bridgewater played at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center during a hospital celebration in December. Russian harpist Alla Yashneva provides music three times a week for several hours at the request of hospital staff as well as family members. The effects of harp music are later documented in order to evaluate the progress of the Harp Foundation’s program.
Sherry Lund is dedicated to the mission of the Harp Foundation and has seen its programs expand to help hundreds of patients and their families.
An extra benefit is the calming and healing effect the harp has on hospital staff and volunteers. |
