Patients with cancer receiving care at Marshfield Medical Center-River Region Stevens Point Campus will soon have the option of music therapy services. This comes after the Stevens Point cancer center was selected as a recipient of support from Garding Against Cancer.
Garding Against Cancer was started by Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball coach Greg Gard and his wife Michelle. Greg lost his father to brain cancer and now holds fundraising events to support cancer care and research.
One such event was held at UW-Stevens Point on Wednesday, September 27. It included food, a program featuring Coach Gard, silent auction, raffle and opportunities to support the Garding Against Cancer initiative.
Support from the event will bring music therapy services to the cancer center in Stevens Point. Music therapy is the practice of using music and its effects in a therapeutic relationship to improve the lives of patients and their families.
Introducing music therapy will provide an emotional outlet for patients, while reducing stress and anxiety. Board-certified music therapists specialize in neurologic music therapy, supporting patients and families during all stages. Nurses, doctors and staff also benefit from the services provided by music therapy.
Funding will provide a music therapist one day a week, for a full year at the cancer center. Support will also enhance patient care by providing comfortable treatment chairs and amenities like sun catchers, bird feeders, artificial plants, and artwork.
“Garding Against Cancer has been a wonderful supporter and partner of MCHS,” said Teri Wilczek, chief development officer. “This is the third time we have been selected for support. We are grateful to Coach Gard and Michelle for their dedication to cancer causes around Wisconsin.”