Meet Missy Ducharme and Jeffrey Scornavacca, our featured volunteers from Boston!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? We volunteer at the Boston VA
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? 1 yr as a volunteer, 9 yrs supporting
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Musicians
What is your favorite song to play for patients? Missy: People Get Ready
Jeff: When God Fearing Women Get The Blues
Do you perform anywhere else besides with MOC? Yes we perform on a regular basis to support MOC
What is your occupation outside of MOC? Missy: I own and operate Imagine This Day Spa
Jeff: I run a business consulting firm, Silver Lake Productions.
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? Missy: I volunteer in memory of my daughter Emma Rose. I used to sing by her bedside and witnessed the healing effects on her. In her honor, I wanted to do the same for other patients and their families. It’s a true blessing.
Jeff: To hear my parents tell it, music was the only thing the held my interest! It’s been a transformative presence my entire life. I feel honored and blessed to be able to share it with others, particularly for those who are facing challenges in their lives.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? Missy: It is so detail oriented. It is personal to everyone who experiences what MOC has to offer. Whether it be a musician, guide, or patient and family member, every individual leaves with a healing experience.
Jeff: The MOC experience is up close and personnel. You can see immediately that both the patients and musicians are richer for the experience.
Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? Missy: i have found my life purpose. I use my voice to help others to heal. Besides being a mother there is nothing more gratifying than that!
Jeff: Absolutely! There’s been a number of times that we’ve gone to the Boston VA after a difficult day and I’ve always walked out 100% better. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way.
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? Missy: My favorite MOC moment is what lead me to MOC in the first place. My daughter had just had major heart surgery and they gave her a paralytic to stabilize her body. I began singing at her bedside and her arm rose up in the air, which should have been impossible. I nervously looked over at the nurse and she said, “Keep singing its working!” Her blood pressure lowered and in that moment it was like witnessing a miracle. I am forever grateful that I get to carry that memory on to others in Emma’s honor.
Jeff: Missy and I were playing “People Get Ready” for a patient at the Boston VA. His eyes were closed and I couldn’t really tell what was going on. When we finished, he had tears in his eyes and told us that his daughter had sang that song on American Idol with his sons. Wow!
