Tunes and Treats Soiree

23 January 2025

For over 30 years, Challenge has proudly pioneered music therapy within hospitals and the community.

At the heart of this program is Tanya McKenna, an exceptional music therapist and an even more remarkable person. Tanya’s dedication, empathy, and passion make her truly one in a million, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her as part of the Challenge family.

Tanya brought a group of young Challenge members together to showcase their musical talents, creating a platform for them to express themselves through their instruments and voices. With care and patience, she guided each child, ensuring they had the time and space to shine. It was a heartwarming experience, a testament to the profound impact music therapy has on our children and families.

For children and families navigating cancer, music therapy provides a haven of solace and connection. It can ease anxiety during medical procedures, foster emotional well-being, and bring moments of joy amidst the difficulties of treatment. Parents often share how this therapy builds resilience in their children, allowing them to express emotions they might otherwise find too overwhelming to articulate.

What makes music therapy so powerful is its ability to simultaneously engage multiple areas of the brain, creating unique pathways for healing and growth. By combining emotional, cognitive, and physical engagement, music therapy becomes a holistic and effective approach to care, resonating with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Today’s session was a testament to these transformative benefits. It was heartwarming to witness firsthand, as Tanya typically works with families in their homes. Seeing each child have their moment – especially those who were anxious at first – was truly inspiring. It takes incredible courage to perform as they did, and their bravery and determination were on full display.

To our young performers: well done! You are a gutsy, talented group, and we couldn’t be prouder of what you achieved today. 💛