week, Anthony can be found at the Helen Bernardy Center for Medically Fragile Children, where he performs Healing Garden and playroom concerts for patients with complex medical needs. Anthony, who has made a nearly 40-year career out of performing for children, finds fulfillment in bringing the joy of music to young patients, their families and Hospital staff alike. “For patients, the music can help them forget about their fear for a few minutes—whether it’s from a tragic diagnosis or even a blood draw. It can also be part of a
of movement, and that in itself is a stress reliever. They get to spend an hour connecting in a way that’s participatory, and it’s a break from sitting and talking about their feelings.” Anthony has heard from staff who tell him how therapeutic drumming is for their young patients. “Staff have told me that someone could be acting out all morning, but once they participate in the drum circle, the rest of the day goes better,” he says. “It’s a great way to release whatever emotions they’re feeling, and I knew it would be the perfect activity for this group.”
celebration and having fun!” he says. “I have to be able to read the energy in a room and know how the music needs to be.” For families, Anthony also hopes to lift the spirits and the weight of their child’s illness as much as possible. “Families are often feeling more than the patient. Kids are good at being kids, and they often don’t know the whole story about what they’re dealing with. But the family is holding onto so much possibility, hope and tragedy at the same time,” he says. “I try to simply create a connection and engage them in something that can reduce even a little bit of that stress.” Finally, for staff, Anthony has heard how much music can mean to them throughout their challenging days.
Anthony’s drum circles at CAPS are just one facet of his healing repertoire. As part of the Hospital’s Healing Arts program, which also includes art and storytelling, Anthony brings a variety of instruments to units across the Rady Children’s campus. He starts his day bright and early, greeting staff at shift change with his handpan drum, which fills the halls with soothing sounds reminiscent of a day spa. “I play outside the elevators as staff are coming and going” he explains. “This not only gives me the chance to elevate their mood, but I also get the opportunity to get to know the staff more. This way, they know I’m around and can be requested to play for their patients who they think could benefit from something different.” The rest of Anthony’s day is spent doing just that: visiting patients who may need the power of music to help them heal. “I walk the halls with my guitar and go
I TRY TO SIMPLY CREATE A
CONNECTION AND ENGAGE THEM IN SOMETHING THAT CAN REDUCE EVEN A LITTLE BIT
OF THAT STRESS.
“The stress that runs through the staff is pretty much constant. They’re always running. But I love it when they walk by me and say, ‘You have no idea how much I needed this today,’” he says. “Music helps people breathe a little deeper, relax and be fully present with what’s in front of them. It’s such a supportive component of the healing environment,” he concludes. “Music makes life better. It brings joy, and we can use more of that in the world.”
from one department to another,” he says. “Sometimes the nurses will give me a list of patients they think would like a visit. Sometimes I just go into patient rooms and ask if they’d like to listen or sing. I try to go to the emergency department in the afternoon when it’s busy and play the handpan to bring the stressful energy down.” Anthony also joins forces with fellow Healing Arts musician Jose Smith, who plays the harp and accordion. Additionally, throughout the
SPRING 2024 HEALTHY KIDS MAGAZINE 27
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