Using the power of music, Blue Star Connection is making an impact on sick children one musical instrument at a time. Hosting the Blue Star Connection Atlanta event last Sunday at Smith’s Olde Bar, the nonprofit hoped to raise funds and raise awareness of music therapy.
After donating a guitar to child with cancer, John Catt only asked for one thing. “I wanted a picture with a big smile,” recalled Catt, an avid collector of musical instruments. “What I received was a picture and doctor’s note that said he had never seen a kid’s attitude turn around so much. The doctor said the guitar had empowered him.”
As word spread about Catt’s donation and the impact of the guitar, Catt started sending guitars all over the country from Oregon to Florida and even India. “Music therapy helps with so many functions in rehabilitation,” said Cori Snyder, a music therapist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta- Scottish Rite. “Something as simple as strumming a guitar helps with motor skills, facilitates movement, and also rewires the brain.”
Luke Putney, 17, connected with Blue Star when he tried to win a bass guitar to donate to the organization. Putney recuperated through music when he lost his vision at age 12 and underwent brain surgery. “Music helped me heal and when I learned about Blue Star Connection, I wanted to help the organization spread this kind of joy,” said Putney, whose band Skittle Biscuit performed on Sunday night.
His passion to give back brought Blue Star Connection to Atlanta in 2011. Putney, who lives in Buckhead, proudly calls himself the organization’s “delivery boy” as he delivers instruments and teaches basic lessons to sick children in CHOA.
Whether it is donating old instruments or finding children who need the gift of music, Catt hopes to spread the message of music. Catt added, “We get to see a lot of smiles on children’s faces, and their parents get to see some hope in their child’s recovery.”
The Colorado-based organization has donated instruments to 150 unique children and over 1,000 children through its hospital outreach since it started in 2005.
For information on Blue Star Connection, visit www. bluestarconnection.org
In Other News: Zaxby's in Marietta threw a pre-circus party for 17 Atlanta-area children and families through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. The families also attended the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey presents Fully Charged shows at Philips Arena. Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama aims to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
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