Sydney Swans Redkite ambassador Harry Cunningham helped 18 families from across four states, all facing the challenge of childhood cancer, to tune out and rock to the classics, as part of Redkite’s first online national music therapy session.
The free hour-long event, starring Redkite-funded music therapist Matt Ralph from the Sydney Children’s Hospital on guitar and Harry Cunningham as backup vocalist, provided some much-needed stress-relief for children and parents alike.
The song list included renditions of ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’, ‘The wheels on the bus’, ‘Five little speckled frogs’ and the Wiggles’ smash hit, ‘Hot potato’.
"The families were able to jump online into a Zoom meeting, have a chat, understand what the kids are going through and what are some of their favourite hobbies and talents," Cunningham said.
"We learnt what their favourite songs and instruments are and we were able to play a bit of music and have a bit of fun along the way.
"I could see the kids got a lot out of it and the joy on their face is something that I love being able to see so it was very good to be able to do.
"It was good to spread some cheer through the session that we were able to do but I am still tone deaf through Zoom."
Redkite, the country’s leading children’s cancer support organisation, funds music therapists in paediatric oncology units around Australia. While very different from music therapy delivered in hospital, this informal conversation and sing-along provided a moment of connection and creative expression for the children and their parents at a time when they are more isolated than ever before.
Redkite’s CEO, Monique Keighery, said children with cancer and their families are struggling more than ever due to the current pandemic.
“We’re hearing from families from all walks of life who are now experiencing unprecedented levels of distress caused by COVID-19, with the life of their immunocompromised child under greater threat than ever before,” Ms Keighery said.
“Music is a great stress reliever and it has always helped bring people together. Our online music therapy session was another way we’re supporting our families who can’t be forgotten and left to cope alone.”
