Please donate to the 2019 Next Step Annual Fund and help us bring the transformative power of community, music, and mentorship to young adults living with serious illness.
Donate to the Next Step Annual Fund
In 2013, I was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and had to withdraw from Berklee College of Music. It felt like my life was falling apart. I was no longer able to go to school or work. Cancer and treatments became my life. I was disempowered and isolated. Cancer was hogging my life “microphone”; leaving me without a voice, a self-identity I could trust, and my life purpose of playing music professionally.
I knew I needed to figure myself out and learn what was possible for my future. Then I discovered Next Step’s Song Studio program, and met music therapist, Kimberly. In Next Step’s recording studio I began to feel freedom from my cancer diagnosis. Music helped give a voice to issues that are often just too difficult to talk about like isolation, depression, disappointment, loss, fear and pain. It was the chance to express myself in a way that was constructive, creative and actually, fun. I wrote, arranged, performed and recorded my own songs – all while rediscovering who I really was and what I could become.
Listening to the music I created with Kimberly helped me understand what I really wanted for my post-cancer life. Next Step’s Song Studio program helped me set life goals that made me proud and helped me envision a future that I never thought possible. I learned advocacy skills by writing and listening to my original song lyrics. This music therapy process gave me the knowledge and life skills to move forward in life. Yes I had cancer, but that doesn’t define who I am.
I am finally moving on with my life after 6 years. I am a music teacher, pursuing a songwriting career, and have started a house and pet sitting service. My time in music at Next Step has had a lasting impact on my mindset and forward focus and I want to make sure others like me have this same opportunity. You can be a critical part of so many young people’s lives by making sure Next Step is here to stay.
Please donate to the 2019 Next Step Annual Fund and help us bring the transformative power of community, music, and mentorship to young adults living with serious illness.
Donate to the Next Step Annual Fund
Thank you and happy holidays.
Warmly,
JP
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