Kids Rock Cancer, Maryville’s innovative music therapy program, is making a name for itself in a new avenue: research. Recently,
Kids Rock Cancer presented at a national conference focused on sickle cell disease, and the findings were published in the Journal of Sickle Cell Disease and Hemoglobinopathies, the only sickle cell journal in the world.

“Not enough research has been done with pediatric cancer and blood disorders in regards to therapeutic songwriting, especially among patients living with sickle cell disease,” said Tracie Sandheinrich, MA, PLPC, MT-BC, senior music therapist for Kids Rock Cancer. “We’re really on the forefront of sharing new knowledge and insight that helps music therapists and other members of the care team so they truly understand the clinical benefit of music therapy in treating children facing the challenges of cancer and blood disorders.”

Next up, Kids Rock Cancer is authoring a chapter in the book “Trauma-Informed Practice in Music Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide,” which is being edited by Laura Beer, PhD, MT-BC, director of Maryville’s Music Therapy Program. Thank you to the Kids Rock Cancer team and supporters who made these projects possible.