ORLANDO, FL (September 24, 2009) - A dozen pint-sized singers took to the stage at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on Thursday, September 24 for a karaoke contest hosted by former *NSYNC singing sensation, Joey Fatone. Other judges included members of Nigels 11, a new band created by former *NSYNCer Chris Kirkpatrick, and local radio favorite, Jayde from XL 106.7.
The event was part of the 20 Days of Caring special event series being held during the month of September to commemorate the hospital's 20th birthday.
"The kid karaoke contest is a fun way for children to show their appreciation to Joey and his family for all they have done to help the hospital," said John Bozard, president of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center. "It also gives all participants an opportunity to help us celebrate this festive occasion in a language we all understand; music."
Immediately prior to the karaoke contest, members of the Fatone Family Foundation presented the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation with a check for $325,000 to support the hospital's new music therapy program. The new program is dedicated to using music and music therapy to assist in the treatment of pediatric oncology and hematology patients. Over time, the program will be expanded throughout the entire hospital.
According to the American Cancer Society, research has found that music therapy, used along with anti-nausea drugs for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, can help ease nausea and vomiting; can help reduce short term pain and help decrease the overall intensity of the patient's experience of pain; and can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
While the physical benefits of music therapy can be measured over time, the emotional and psychological benefits in patients can be seen immediately. In one study, patients who were visited by a trained music therapist reported less anxiety and better overall mood than patients who did not receive music therapy.
Ten year old Jasmine Forsberg won the karaoke contest and will perform in front of what is expected to be a crowd of thousands attending the 20 Years of Caring Block Party Saturday, September 26 on the Arnold Palmer Medical Center campus.
The block party is the culmination of hundreds of special offers, events and activities being held during September as part of the 20 Days of Caring. Other activities include retail and dining offers that result in a donation to the hospital, lectures by and about golfing legends, clinics that teach parents how to keep kids safe and healthy, and special appearances by representatives from Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. A complete list of activities is available at www.arnoldpalmerhospitalbirthday.com/ClientResources/20DaysCaring.
About Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 158-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of children. Located in Orlando, Arnold Palmer Hospital provides expertise in pediatric specialties such as cardiac care, craniomaxillofacial surgery, emergency and trauma care, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology and sports medicine. Visit www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com to learn more about all of our specialties.
About Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies
Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 285-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of women and babies. The hospital includes comprehensive fetal diagnostics and labor and delivery services, a regional center for neonatal intensive care, maternal intensive care and women's services. Annually, more than 14,000 babies are expected to be born at Winnie Palmer Hospital, making it the busiest labor and delivery unit in the state of Florida. To learn more, visit www.winniepalmerhospital.com.