May 17, 2018 | Blogs and News
Dear CMF Community,
My time as the Executive Director of Children’s Music Fund has been a time of self-discovery, opportunity, challenges, and happiness. Without any reservation, I am grateful to have an incredibly devoted and passionate CMF staff, Board of Directors, and team of volunteers. Each of you has contributed an important part in transforming CMF into where it is now. Today, however, I am writing to let you know I will be starting my journey as a medical student at the University of Massachusetts Medical School this coming Fall.
CMF is blessed to have a talented and committed music therapy team who take our vision to the lives of our patients’ families in the hospitals each and every day. They are not just clinicians; they are mentors and educators. Their empathy and compassion allows them to build strong bonds with those they serve that extends beyond the hospital bed. I know the standards our therapists set will serve as the foundation of compassionate care for years to come.
Behind the scenes, our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to support our mission. Their selfless devotion is what allows our organization to grow and flourish. The impact they have lives in each instrument we donate and every hour of therapy we provide. Working with each of you has been my greatest motivation to push through challenges and discover avenues to improve.
Over the last year and a half, CMF has grown in both its reach and capacity. Last May, we expanded our services to Huntington Memorial, serving an additional 300 patients annually. This summer, we are launching our first professional mobile recording studio and instrument carts in our hospitals, allowing us to provide underserved and chronically ill patients an opportunity to experience a true studio experience.
Last year, we celebrated our 15th year anniversary by recognizing the 9 states and 8 Los Angeles County programs we helped establish. It is because our incredible sponsors and supporters believed in our cause that we have been able to provide over 10,000 children with board-certified music therapy and musical instruments. I am most appreciative of our incredible sponsors and supporters. Whether it has been following our social media campaigns, or attending our events, each of you is doing a part in spreading awareness in music therapy.
Approximately 27% of children in the United States suffer from chronic health conditions that affect their daily function. Almost a third of children in Los Angeles County live in low-income working families, remaining above the state and national average. Beyond the music therapy and musical instruments we provide, CMF is a champion of social change. This year, our initiative has prioritized expansion to hospitals and communities in disadvantaged areas. I believe our hard work and focus has prepared us for greater success in the future.
Join us on our journey of healing through music by donating on https://www.thecmf.org/contribute/ or signing up for our newsletter at www.thecmf.org.
I look forward to following Children’s Music Fund’s future accomplishments together!
Best,
Jason Lui