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While my son was hospitalized, and very sick, he seemed to have a constant string of medical professionals visiting his room. Some were to check numbers, do an evaluation, administer medicine, wheel us down the hall for a procedure, or deliver news – all wonderful people, dedicated to his improvement, but no one could turn his day around like Christy Merrell.

As an infant, Oakes didn’t have language to communicate with us, and like any parents we would read his cues, and respond to his cries and coos but we didn’t need words to understand that his favorite visitor was Christy. A visit from Christy meant non-stop smiles and lots of wiggling and dancing. Our son was really sick for a long time, and so many of our days were about surviving – about getting through the day and attaining stability. For some time we lived with great fear and sadness, but what Christy brought to Oakes’ room was the gift of really living. She filled our hospital room with abundant joy, and radiant color.

Christy was able to transport all of us to a safe world of melodies, song and instruments where we could focus on only the good things, the beautiful things, and the parts of our son that brought us so much joy. She gave us time to exhale, to refocus, and connect with our son. She gave us days filled with love, joy and so much hope. Christy, with her overflowing cart of instruments, allowed Oakes to escape illness and live his life with such possibility. Our son received excellent medical care while in the hospital, but I know in my heart, that some of the best medicine he received was the joy and love that came from his jam sessions with Christy.

Christy’s passion for what she does is so apparent. As a therapist she is creative, quick thinking, so very positive and easy to work with. Her passion for music therapy and her ability to connect with children and families is one of her super powers. The services that she offers are transformative and life changing and the families who have the chance to work with Christy are truly being offered a dose of the best medicine ever.

Becky Ortyl, Executive Director, Co-Founder, Mom to Oakes Ortyl (CHD Warrior & Angel)