A hospital volunteer had this hopeful experience using a Sounds of Hope Project CD—“ The young woman shared that she really missed dancing since a foot injury confined her to a wheelchair. Using Pachelbel’s Canon from the Sounds of Hope CD and large scarves, we danced joyously to the music – the patient using her arms with me maneuvering the wheelchair. A duet of grace and joy.”

On December 1, SOHP participated in the craft show at St. Albert the Great Church in North Royalton, Ohio.  We sold 22 CDs (resulting in another 22 CDs to donate to hospices and nursing homes) and received $68 in cash donations.  SOHP will use the cash donations to purchase CD players for nursing homes or hospices.

Since our hospice partners have asked for CD players, SOHP is purchasing one.  After we check it out, we’ll donate it to one of our partners to see if that helps hospice patients have access to our CDs.  We hope this will help spread our mission to bring comfort to those in need through our music.

One of our wonderful musicians had this to say about SOHP, “You should be very proud of this wonderful work of LOVE!!  Thank you, Mary Lou!” – Greer Ellison, flutist on the Sounds of Serenity and Sounds of Solace

Malachi House in Cleveland uses SOHP CDs on a regular basis, according to Catherine Schroth, MM, MT-BC, Music Therapist, Malachi House.  She said, “ I probably lend a couple out each month.  . . . When we have people who like classical music, native American music or want to hear church music, they are good choices.  Thanks again for your service.”

According to Kathy LiPuma, Program Coordinator, this is how the Jennings Center has used SOHP CDs:

• Keys to Peace                   Used with clients in rehab/skilled unit
• Sounds of Hope                Used for one-on-one pastoral care and for a small massage
• Hope for the Spirit           Used for one-on-one pastoral
• Whispers of Hope             Used for Tai Chi class, relaxation massage, one-on-one visits

Linda Gregson, a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator, commented on the SOHP CDs she received as a donation to her organization.  She said, “The CDs are beautiful.  They were delivered into the rooms within 24 hours (of our receiving them).  That day I heard them being played.  The Native American music was being played in the nurses station to the joy of several people.  . . . We had one gentleman that was a vet and the family was so thankful for the patriotic CD.  They smiled as they talked about his love of his country and this music.”

Several of the hospices and nursing homes that Sounds of Hope Project services with its CDs are in need of CD players. If anyone in the Cleveland, Ohio, area has a CD player at home that is in good condition that you would like to donate, please reply to this posting or send us an email.  Thank you.

The Sandusky Ohio Veterans Home sent SOHP a thank you note for the CDs they received.  They believe the CDs will enhance the quality of life of their residents.

Dean David H. Stull of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music sent Sounds of Hope Project a congratulatory letter commending the Musicians Who Care project, the CDs featuring Oberlin alumni.  He praised this “outstanding and worthwhile project.”