My Story
As told by Ellee Kennedy, Miss Mission City, CMF Kids Ambassador.
Being a Young Patient
At age 11, I received my first IVIG blood infusion for my rare blood condition, hypogammaglobulinemia. I had traveled from Ohio to DC in order to see a doctor who specialized in my rare blood condition. Walking into the hospital that day I was scared. The idea of being poked with needles and sitting for 10 hours straight while I received a new medication was extremely daunting for a sixth grader.
However, my anxiety and fear were put on hold when I saw the painted ceiling tiles that covered the bone marrow transplant and blood division floor. One of the nurses saw me admiring the ceiling tiles and told me that once my infusion had begun an art/music therapist would be in to bring me my own tile that I could paint while I received my medication. While something simple as a painted ceiling tile may seem insignificant it meant the world to me that day.
After I left DC, I continued to receive IVIG blood infusions every three weeks for 12 years, that’s over 200 infusions. While I was limited in the sense that I could not move during these infusions, I was liberated by the idea that I could draw, create and sing.
Through this time, my love for music grew and eventually resulted in a bachelor’s and master’s degree in opera singing as well as a career. Music is truly what got me through these 12 years of treatments. It distracted me from the discomfort brought on by my infusions and gave me hope.
Mission: Give Children Music and Hope
I received my last IVIG blood infusion when I was 18 years old, and since then I made it my mission to ensure that every child in my position has the same creative and musical resources that I did. I have both witnessed and personally experienced the monumental effects that music and art can have on a patient’s experience and recovery during hospitalization. To this day, my ceiling tile is still hanging in the hospital where I received my first ever treatment. It motivates me to never give up on advocating for musical and creative resources for children in hospitals all around the world.
Impact: Putting the A in S.T.E.M. Through Music Therapy
I believe that Music Therapy is the bridge between STEM and the arts. My initiative, “Putting the A in STEM through Music Therapy,” is achieved through educating and advocating for the use of music therapy in varying patient’s treatment plans.
In order to become a Music Therapist, one needs a background in music, psychology and science. If musical opportunities are not offered to students during their preparatory schooling, they may never then have the opportunity to pursue a career as a Music Therapist later in life. “Putting the A in STEM through Music Therapy,” is about advocating for music therapy practices while also convincing schools the important role that music has on education, medicine and science through Music Therapy.
Learn more at @missmissioncity and @misselleekennedy.