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)

Organization: Children's Cancer Research Fund

Website: childrenscancer.org

Federal Tax ID: 41-1893645