Music Therapy Program Grant (Otto Bremer Trust)

Music Therapy Program Grant

Program Focus: Funding for music therapy programs serving pediatric cancer patients, particularly those undergoing bone marrow transplantation

Award Details:

• Award Amount: $50,000
• Funding Source: Otto Bremer Trust (distributed through Children's Cancer Research Fund)
• Award Date: November 2018
• Duration: Split over two years
• Recipient Institution: University of Minnesota

Program Leaders:

• Megan Voss, DNP, RN
• Greta Yates, MA, MT-BC

Program Focus:
Music therapy program at University of Minnesota serves pediatric cancer patients, particularly those:

• Staying in the hospital after bone marrow transplant (BMT)
• Undergoing long-term cancer treatment

Services Provided:

• Music instruction and engagement
• Instruments and engaging activities
• Symptom relief and relaxation
• Complements treatment protocol
• Helps patients feel in control of their healing
• Provides typical childhood experiences often missed during hospitalization
• Increases self-esteem and patient engagement

Grant Outcomes:

• Allows consistent program service to patients
• Enables program expansion exploration
• Supports collection of meaningful data for future studies
• Encourages hospitals around the country to invest in music and integrative therapy programs

Funding Challenges Addressed:

• Music therapy is rarely covered by insurance
• Hospitals often cannot provide adequate funding
• Programs frequently struggle with on-again, off-again service
• Lack of consistent funding makes physician referrals uncertain

Clinical Impact:

• Floor nurses refer patients when uncomfortable or having difficult days
• Rehab therapists partner for collaboration
• Parents and families request music therapy immediately
• High demand as referrals increase from other departments

Geographic Scope: University of Minnesota (Minnesota, United States)

• Website: childrenscancer.org
• Federal Tax ID: 41-1893645