Lucas is Rockin' the Hospital Through Music Therapy

Lucas Leary is rockin’ out at Shriners Hospitals for Children— Boston thanks to the music therapy program that was incorporated into his treatment plan by hospital therapists, and a gift from Raising the Blues, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing music to hospitalized children and children with disabilities.

Lucas came to Shriners Hospitals for Children in August after a he was burned in a gasoline accident. “He was injured while he was landscaping,” said his mom, Stephanie. “We have been so amazed at his recovery since the accident and it’s due to the great staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children.”

During Lucas’ music therapy sessions, he expressed an interest in learning to play the guitar. “We supported this as it would address many goals for him including increasing self-esteem, increase adaptation to being in a hospital, and increasing his repertoire of positive recreation skills,” said Annette Whitehead- Pleaux, music therapist at the hospital.

There are many benefits to music therapy, including helping address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of children and adults, and the ability to play an instrument or music experience isn't required.

Lucas took to the instrument quickly and showed a natural talent. Whitehead-Pleaux thought  Raising the Blues might want to help out.

“When we heard from Shriners Hospitals for Children that there was a teenager who had responded well to learning the guitar, we were pleased to be able to donate the instrument,” said Ruth E. Atherton, Ph.D., President of Raising the Blues. “We look for children with unique life challenges and offer them a way to use music to help them cope and recover.”

Not only does Lucas have a cool new skill, he might just be the next Eddie Van Halen!