December 21, 2015
Story by Kristin Bernhard; Photo by Paul Rotzinger
Having cancer and spending the holidays in treatment at a cancer centre can prove very difficult for both patients and their families.
One person who’s doing something creative and meaningful to bring holiday cheer to his patients is Wilson Miranda, spiritual care coordinator at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC).
“I experienced the fun, joy and power to connect with others through Christmas carolling in previous work and decided to try it at the Tom Baker,” says Miranda.
Now, a dedicated troupe of staff, volunteers and former patients are filling the hallways here with Christmas carols.
“Carolling is our unique way of giving back to patients and families in a relaxing and fun way,” he adds.
For eight days leading up to Christmas, this ‘travelling group’ is singing for patients and families in waiting rooms, chemo and radiation therapy areas and all hallways in between.
“Our team has Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Sleigh, elves, instrumentalists and singers who gladly take on each of these roles during their breaks or lunch hours to spread some cheer and joy to patients and families,” says Miranda.
Coming together to carol also forges new friends amongst staff and builds relationships across the many teams within the cancer centre.
“Part of my role is to care for staff, too,” says Miranda. “I wanted to engage staff and volunteers in a unique way through a common activity where members of various disciplines and tumour groups come together to provide a different type of care — through music and singing. It’s heartening to see them make new friends within the cancer centre.”
Singing also creates a healing environment, through participation in a spiritual practice that melds music, singing, and creativity.
“Most patients are pleasantly surprised when they hear the staff singing,” says Miranda. “In past years, some had grateful and joyful tears and were thankful for the unique and unexpected experience at their cancer centre.”
It’s not unusual for staff who take part to receive a random ‘thank-you’ and kudos from patients in parking lots and hallways.
Carolling is part of Musical Conversations, an umbrella program that supports musical performance for TBCC patients, families and staff. It’s an ongoing collaborative effort of Spiritual Care, Healing Arts and Volunteer Resources.
Musical Conversations not only brings musical enjoyment for those awaiting treatment or therapy, it also promotes emotional healing, coping and wellness, relaxation and positive energy.
“Supporting patients and family members in managing fears and anxieties associated with hospital visits — and decreasing feelings of isolation — is so important in cancer care,” says Krista Marsden, provincial coordinator of Healing Arts in CancerControl Alberta. “Bringing music into the environment can help achieve this in the moment.”
Studies show that listening to music and musical therapy can reduce anxiety and increase quality of life for cancer patients. It also helps to calm the mind and body of patients in pre-operative settings and reduces pain as well as promoting comfort and relaxation.
“Facilitating a supported release of emotion through connection with a certain song, lyrics, rhythm or sentiment can be helpful,” she says.
“Music is very therapeutic to both staff and patients,” says Miranda. “It helps create a calming environment in a stressful place ... and at this time of year it brings in the Christmas spirit.”
For more information on Musical Conversations, please contact Healing Arts in CancerControl Alberta at 403-521-3369; or email krista.marsden@ahs.ca.
