Healing Through Harmony

For Randy and Marcy Betcher, music and giving back are two cornerstones of their happiness. The Betchers support Gillette Children’s board-certified music therapists, who use music to comfort patients during hospital stays and medical procedures. This is one way our generous donors align their passions with opportunities to give to Gillette. 

“Music has meant a lot to us, and we have been blessed in many ways. It is our duty to share the gift of music with others,” explains Randy. “Music speaks when words cannot; it creates connections and is a way to share a part of your being with another and their being with you.” 

Music therapy has been shown to encourage healing and promote the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children of all ages. For Autumn, music therapy was a turning point in her care and recovery at Gillette more than once.  

At seven months old, Autumn struggled to fully wake up from surgery to relieve intracranial pressure due to craniosynostosis (fusion of the skull). But when one of Gillette’s music therapists started singing, something in her stirred.  

“First, she started singing along,” says her mother, Katelyn. “Once I picked her up, she started smiling and opened her eyes after three days of them being swollen shut. Everyone was crying happy tears! After that, her recovery seemed to go much faster.” 

Now almost five, Autumn recently enjoyed a reunion with music therapist Beth Engelking and responded enthusiastically. “We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact music therapy provides for these kiddos,” Katelyn says. “We are so grateful.” 

Gillette’s music therapy program is made possible by philanthropic support from thoughtful donors like the Betchers. “There is nothing more special than positively impacting the lives of children and families. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the patients of Gillette,” says Randy.