Music therapy proven to help children battle illness

You may love music but I want to show you how music therapy is having a real impact on one small patient.

A Farmington Hills family is finding strength and peace in the sound of music.

It may be a simple song, but this music has healing power for 2 and a half year old Pria Castel  who's in weekly chemotherapy treatments fighting abdominal cancer.

Music therapy has brought her much needed joy. Mom remembers Pria after her first chemo treatment.

"She didn't want to see anyone she was just so tired," said Sarah Castel. "Betsy came in and turned her around. She got on the drums, on xylophone and just turned her around completely."

Betsy Barone is a board certified music therapist at Beaumont Children's Hospital, who says science proves the power of sound.

"Music is processed in all aspects, in all areas of the brain," said Kathleen Grobbel, Childlife Services, Beaumont. "It stimulates growth and helps to improve motor functioning, cognitive functioning, and also speech."

Children's Miracle Network funds this music therapy program, and the impact is priceless.

"It's been fantastic," Barone said. "She has been just wonderful with the patients, they love it. Music is very emotional and they can really help children heal and cope."

You can help support programs like the music therapy program by joining us for the Walk for Miracles Monday morning at the Detroit Zoo. Every child who participates gets a free super hero cape.  The event raises funds for Children's Miracle Network at Beaumont Children's Hospital.

The walk starts at 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Although registration has ended, the donations can be accepted through June 4 at 12 p.m. You can contribute ONLINE HERE.