Cancer patients treated to monthly musical shows

The Regional Cancer Program may not seem to be a likely place to put on a show, but Dr. Colin Germond said he thinks it could be beneficial for patients.

The Colin Germond Music Program was launched on June 2 at the Sudbury Regional Hospital’s Regional Cancer Program (RCP).

Germond is a medical oncologist at the Sudbury Regional Hospital, and has been playing the violin since he was seven.
Germond said performing for patients provides them with entertainment and relief from the stresses of having to attend the cancer centre. “(Music) has the ability to soothe us, to please and delight us, and to lighten our lives.”

He said “music therapy” has been around for a while.

“It’s not something that’s all that new. (There have been) informal music presentations for years.”

Germond’s performances are a bit more structured though.

The program came about after Gerry Lougheed Jr. heard Germond play. Lougheed said he thought a music program would be beneficial to the centre.

After Lougheed arranged it with Bertha Paulse, vice-president of the RCP, the gears were put in motion. “It’s just, somehow, we never got around to doing it before,” Germond said.

Now that the program is underway, different performers are scheduled at the RCP on the first Wednesday of every month. The first show featured performances from Germond, Dr. Hugh Prichard, and the Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School jazz band.

About 100 patients, visitors and staff members caught the show. “People came and went, which was kind of the idea,” Germond said. “It was certainly very well-received, and people were very enthusiastic about it.”

Looking ahead to upcoming dates, Germond said he wants to continue having two contrasting performances at every show.

Marion Harvey, Sarah Craig and Rocky Bevins are on the list of upcoming entertainers.

“We’ve already lined up the next three month’s performances,” Germond said.