ACMF Music Therapy at Sydney Children’s Hospital
The Australian Children’s Music Foundation supports the children in Randwick Children’s Hospital by providing talented Music Therapist Monica Lee. The following is the story of Harvey, whose life has been significantly changed through the power of music.
For Harvey’s mum, Diana, music is a part of everyday life. Her husband and two older children, Jazmyn and Marcus, play everything from the drums, to the guitar, keyboard to vocals and regularly hold family jam sessions at home with Harvey in the front row. And, thanks to the support of Music Therapist, Monica Lee, the family’s love for music is echoed on the wards of Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick whenever Harvey visits for an appointment.
“Every day Harvey’s surrounded by music at home and to have that at the Hospital too is just amazing. Because he’s non-verbal, music gives him his own voice and a unique way to express himself.” In a recent music session with Monica, she noticed he can pick up on the beats. Whether it’s strumming the guitar or playing the drums, he’s just mesmerised by rhythm and sound of the music.
Just to see that smile and hear his cheer during those sessions brings me so much joy and happiness.” Diana found out she was pregnant with Harvey at six months. Just two days later, she noticed something wasn’t quite right, so went straight to the doctors. By the time she got to the emergency room, she found Harvey was already on his way. “Harvey was born at 26 weeks and immediately taken to NICU as he was born with very complex issues. He had a rocky start with his breathing and we soon found out that he had arthrogryposis. Even though they told me how serious his condition was, I realised that I was ready for the journey ahead.”
Arthrogryposis is a rare complex disorder which occurs approximately 1 in 3,000 births. It causes limited movement in joints such as the hands, wrist, elbows, hips, knees and feet as well as muscle weakness and delayed development. Children born with arthrogryposis often need a lot of physiotherapy and in more severe cases like Harvey, multiple surgeries. For the first six months of his life, he was cared for by the intensive care unit team. Due to Harvey’s complex condition, the family continues to have regular appointments at the Hospital to see the wide range of doctors involved in his care, from neurologists, to orthopaedics, to ophthalmologists, physiotherapists and the palliative care team.
Now a little boy of three, Harvey has already undergone more than 10 surgeries; the first when he was three weeks old to fit a Rickman’s Reservoir – a device that can be implanted into the brain to help release the pressure of a bleed on the brain.
Throughout his Hospital journey, Monica has built up a very special relationship with Harvey, using the power of music to help distract and bring comfort during the most difficult times. “Harvey loves spending time with Monica, especially when they sing songs with actions – one of his favourites at the moment is Baby Shark.
“She’s amazing. No matter where we are, she’ll come and find us with her instruments, and you can see the excitement in Harvey’s face when he sees her and the Music Therapy team. “Whether it’s strumming the guitar, beating the drum or making music on the iPad, it’s such a great way for him to interact with other people and brings that sense of familiarity and comfort when we’re away from home.” Thanks to the support of Monica and the team at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Harvey’s love of music continues to grow each day and for mum Diana, music therapy is an opportunity for not only creative expression but family bonding. “I love to dance so I try and dance with him. I just hold him, and we dance and when the music’s playing, he tries to join in – to me that’s just beautiful.”
Notw: This story was reproduced with the permission of Harvey’s family, and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
