Harp Therapy Brings Comfort and Healing

Until Roger began to lose his battle with an asbestos-related disease he developed while processing specialist glass in the late 1960s, he remained true to his vibrant, generous spirit. “When we came to Cabrini’s Palliative and Supportive Care unit, he heard a music therapist playing guitar and he started singing the duet If I Loved You together with her. The nurses who cared for Roger were wonderful, responsive, and encouraged him to stay true to who he was right to the very end,” shared Julie.

“The last time he came in to the Emergency Department, Roger simply referred to himself to staff as a ‘frequent flyer.’ On the night before he passed, he gathered all the staff and ran a quiz — his final role as leading man.”

Always generous in their support of many charities, Julie was determined to give back to Cabrini in gratitude for the compassionate care Roger received.

Head of Occupational Therapy and Manager of Social Work at Cabrini Allied Health, Courtney Agland, said:
“We are very grateful for this generous donation in memory of Roger, enabling us to provide Harp Therapy to our palliative care patients. This type of therapy uses the unique properties of the harp to bring comfort, healing, and peace to individuals. Our patients and their families have fed back how the harp therapy has benefited them emotionally, aided with pain relief, improved sleep, promoted relaxation, and supported their spiritual wellbeing.”

Inextricably linked in music, life, love, and philanthropy — the music will play on at Cabrini in your memory, Roger.