Meet Nancy Cowan, Our Featured Volunteer from Phoenix!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? Mostly Phoenix Children’s Hospital, sometimes at the VA Hospital
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? About one year
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Musician
What is your favorite song to play for patients? “Baby Beluga, by Raffi”
Have you ever been part of an impromptu jam session with patients or family in a hospital room? “When they sing along and clap their hands, I consider that an impromptu jam session!”
Do you perform anywhere else besides with MOC? “Yes, I have a band and perform regularly at Folk Festivals and Open Mics.”
What is your occupation outside of MOC? “I am currently in Nursing School.“
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? “I decided to change careers from being a music teacher into something in the medical field. I have always believed that music has a therapeutic effect, but music therapy is a young field so I decided to go into nursing or surgical technology. When I heard about Musicians on Call, I knew I had to get involved.”
Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? “Yes! It has opened my eyes to the wonderful work of doctors and nurses, the bravery of the children and their families, and the selflessness of all the volunteers. After meeting toddlers who had heart transplants, children undergoing chemotherapy, and other difficult medical procedures, I have developed a thicker skin and more appreciation of life.”
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? “There are so many, but the most memorable time was a performance I gave for a family who traveled to the PCH from a communist country to save their son’s life. Since their son had just gotten out of surgery, he was still under anesthesia, so they recorded the performance so he could watch it and understand later how so many people came together to help save his life. Their story will continue to inspire me.”
