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CBS News Chicago recently featured two Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patients in a segment about Musicians on Call — a volunteer organization that regularly visits the hospital in Chicago, going room to room to serenade patients.
Nathaniel G. is one of the featured patients (pictured above; photo courtesy of CBS News Chicago). Nathaniel experienced limb loss after a boating accident and, now, he is embarking on his recovery journey. He recently enjoyed a bedside concert with Musicians on Call.
"It was amazing," said Nathaniel in the segment. "I love the music, but I think we loved even more the fact that people would come out just to lift our spirits. That meant a lot."
Eddie S. was toe-tapping during his visit with Musicians on Call. Eddie also is a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, recovering from surgery. As an actor and performer himself, Eddie admired the performance by volunteer and musician Chris J.
"He was that good," said Eddie in the segment. "He was excellent."
Musicians on Call focuses on the “undeniable benefits of live music” and its “power to improve blood pressure, manage stress, alleviate pain, and improve overall mood.”
In addition to inviting volunteers from Musicians on Call to visit patients at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the hospital offers a robust music therapy program for patients, with group and individual music therapy services provided by Board-certified music therapists. Interventions include everything from playing instruments and singing to any use of music that supports a patient’s goals and wellness.
