Meet Stacey Jarrell, our featured MOC WXPN volunteer from Philadelphia!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? 5.5 Years
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Guide
What is your occupation outside of MOC? Director of Therapy Services
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? I love to bring music to our patients and their families in the hospital. We work with people all day long who are going through some pretty rough times. Sometimes really scarey, some really painful, none of it is pleasant. The few minutes that they stop and listen to music takes them away from all that. I believe that even though everything is still the same after we walk out the door, it’s possible that their minds reset a little bit, and they can maybe handle the stress a little bit easier. It’s like taking a big deep breath and saying “I can handle this”.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? The instant gratification of seeing someone’s face light up, or to hear them sing, or even just tap their toes.
Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? Absolutely. I have met some of the most sincerely caring people in the musicians we have. And every night after I guide my mind is reset, and I walk out thinking “I can handle this”
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? I’m not a big favorites person, there’s so many moments that I can’t rate them. When we go to the intensive care nursery it’s always special. Maybe I imagine it, but I think the babies are reacting to the music. And then any time you see the patient’s face relax and a smile, it’s a good moment.
