Ravinia 2026 Issue 6

ability to read, write, or speak. Aphasia can have a profound impact on individ- uals’ self-expression, independence, and social well-being, and can cause feelings of isolation and loneliness. Opportunities like the aphasia choir provide those living with aphasia a chance to build community with one another. Each week, the choir meets to sing together, harmonize, move, dance, and simply enjoy connection through music. Participants discover a welcom- ing community, whether they’ve had previous singing experience or not. MusicTherapy: Healing the Body, Mind&Spirit Shirley Ryan AbilityLab also offers music therapy for patients, with group and individual music therapy services provided by a licensed professional music therapist. Music therapy supports the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of patients of all ages—and helps patients achieve their therapeutic goals through music, such as improving or enhancing speech skills, cognition and memory, fine and gross motor skills, self-expres- sion, and coping and social skills. Music therapy typically is not covered by insurance, but Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is able to offer it at no cost to patients thanks to donor support. “Music therapy supports the whole person—body, mind, and spirit,” said April Hickey, LPMT, MT-BC, a music therapist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “It helps ease pain, boosts feelings of self-esteem and confidence, and uplifts people spiritually while supporting their physical rehabilitation goals.” Therapeutic activities can include songwriting, music improvisation, playing instruments, singing, movement to music, listening to music or music dis- cussion. As a music therapist, Hickey of- ten co-treats and works alongside other members of a patient’s interdisciplinary care team, such as physical, occupational and speech therapists, art therapists, psychologists, and child life specialists. Through music therapy, even those who have never picked up an instru- ment can find healing through creative self-expression. At the same time, others with a rich musical history can rediscover their passion for music during rehabilitation. Such was the case with Cayden, a teen- ager from Kentucky who came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after sustaining a severe brain injury in a motorcycle accident. At first, Cayden was unable to walk and talk. With intensive rehabilitation, he began rebuilding his cognitive and functional skills. He also participated in music therapy with Hickey, picking up the guitar once again. “I love hearing people say that they feel better after engaging in music,” said Hickey. “Being in a healing environment and involving people in something that is spiritually fulfilling and emotionally uplifting is incredibly important and vital to the healing process.” RAVINIA.ORG • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 23 ALL PHOTOS COURTESY SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB