Thursday, February 25, 2010

Eric Mammen Making a Difference for Sick Children

Watching my local Fox news tonight, I saw the most touching story. Eric Mammen is a music therapist at CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) and is making a real difference. Monday-Friday Mammen visits very sick children, bringing along with him song and instruments.

Playing his guitar and helping toddlers play mini drums, he is brightening the days of youngsters facing terrible conditions like cancer treatment. Doctors report that while Mammen is singing songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," kids forget about their illness. Furthermore, according to the CHOC Web site, "Some of the benefits revolve around cognitive stimulation, pain management, relaxation, motor movement, the enhancement of self-esteem and other social skills, and providing a positive diversion."

What an inspirational story. It melted my heart, I just wish I could find a video to share with you all =(



Photo courtesy of: CHOC

6 comments:

Sweety P said...

I took a class called Art Therapy which discussed how music therapy can be comforting to sick children and to elders. I think it's a great way to give the children a sense of home and a sense of entertainment when they are in the hospital. I really admire people like him!

ThingsToDoWithKids said...

Wow, that seriously made me tear up a little bit. I love hearing stories like that.

Audrey Allure said...

I'm so glad people like him are getting recognition for the great things they do. Such a sweet story.

Anonymous said...

My son had Guillain Barre and was at choc for months, Eric Mammen visited my son several times a week sometimes and that was the only thing that could put a smile on my son's face. I too heard the feature on fox when i was falling asleep, it brought back both haunting and blessed memories of hospital. I appreciate the fact that Eric was there and we will always remember him!! Please post the video if you find it. I would like to show my son:)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

It's people like that that give me hope!

Anonymous said...

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/community/give_miracles/childrens-hospital-of-orange-county-20100215

this is the link to the story