We are thrilled to announce the exciting newly forged partnership between JoyRx and Free Guitars 4 Kids (FG4K), made possible by a generous grant from Harry A. Merlo Foundation. This collaboration is set to bring the hope of music to children facing serious medical challenges, empowering them with the joy and therapeutic benefits of playing the guitar.

Recently, Matt Houchin of “Matt Rocks Shirts,” a dedicated friend of FG4K, and Ben Dudley, our Executive Director, met up with Alex Abrazaldo, a JoyRx Music Specialist, at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, OR. This meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful journey of bringing music to young patients in need of hope and healing. We invite you to check out the video of their meeting to witness our partnership in action and see the joy that music brings to these children.

Maura Boyce, Vice President of Programs at JoyRx, beautifully encapsulates the essence of this partnership: “The JoyRx Music Program is committed to harnessing the therapeutic power of music to uplift and inspire children facing serious medical challenges. Over the years, numerous studies have highlighted the remarkable positive effects of music on young patients. Music has been shown to reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, enhance emotional expression, and even aid in pain management. Engaging with music allows children to find solace, creativity, and self-expression during their arduous journeys, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment that is essential for overall well-being.”

The Healing Power of Music

Music is a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people on a profound level. For children battling serious illnesses, music offers a much-needed escape from the harsh realities of their medical treatments. It provides a sense of normalcy and a means to express emotions that are often difficult to articulate. Through the JoyRx Music Program, children can immerse themselves in the world of music, discovering new talents and finding joy amidst their challenges. By playing an instrument or simply listening to their favorite songs, they can momentarily forget their worries and focus on the joy that music brings.

Extending the Reach with Free Guitars 4 Kids

By joining forces with Free Guitars 4 Kids, JoyRx aims to expand its music outreach and touch the lives of even more children. FG4K is dedicated to providing free guitars to children who have a passion for music but lack the resources to pursue it. 

Alex Abrazaldo, JoyRx Music Specialist, shares his excitement: “Our relationship with FG4K has been a dream come true. At JoyRx Music, we are committed to sharing the gift of music with Children and Families in the hospital. Partnering with FG4K has allowed us to expand upon our mission delivery by providing us the opportunity to give instruments to the children we serve.”

A Shared Vision for Hope and Healing

The collaboration between JoyRx and FG4K is more than just a partnership; it is a shared vision for bringing hope and healing to children through music. 

“We aim to inspire the youth to be fearless in their creativity and FG4K allows us to provide them the tools to keep on. The look on these kids’ faces when they learn that the instrument they are learning their first song on is theirs is priceless. FG4K is an incredible organization and I admire their commitment to sharing the gift of music with children in need,” says Alex Abrazaldo.

As Maura Boyce stated, “By joining forces with Free Guitars 4 Kids, we aim to extend our music outreach and make a profound difference in the lives of kids longing to pursue their passion for the guitar.” This partnership embodies the spirit of community and the belief that together, we can create a brighter, more hopeful future for these young patients.

Together, with the support of our community and the incredible generosity of the Harry A. Merlo Foundation, we are committed to using the power of music to inspire, uplift, and heal. We look forward to being a part of this beautiful journey and witnessing the transformative impact of music in the lives of young patients.