CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- For MEDIC Veteran Danielle Walcott, music is just a part of life.
- MEDIC Danielle Walcott stumbled upon music therapist Mason Swimmer in Mercy Hospital with a patient last week.
- Swimmer helps patients everyday to relax, and work through their own health issues with music therapy.
- Together the duo played ‘Amazing Grace’ for a patient.
"I can close my eyes and hear music and I can be in tears,” says Walcott. “Because I feel like it really touches a part of me that nothing else really can do."
So when she stumbled upon music therapist Mason Swimmer in Mercy Hospital with a patient last week, she was overjoyed.
"We were waiting at the elevator and he came out of the office and I was like wow all of these instruments," says Walcott.
With the help of a cart of instruments, Swimmer helps patients everyday to relax and work through their own health issues with music therapy.
“As a cancer survivor and someone who has spent a lot of time in the hospital, I know how important it is to have that extra element of joy,” says Swimmer. “Peace and familiarity to help you get through a trying time.”
Together the duo played ‘Amazing Grace’, bringing the patient to tears, according to Walcott.
"She got a little bit of extra grace that day,” says Walcott. “And it brought a smile to her face and brought a smile to mine.”
The video shared online has been viewed hundreds of times, but Swimmer says he's just glad people are learning more about music in the hospital.
“I hope it continues to bring awareness and advocacy for music therapy,” says Swimmer. “So people can continue learning about the positive effects music can have on all populations.”
And while the newly formed duo are receiving praise online, Walcott instead is using the experience to challenge others to take time to slow down and do something special if you can.
“Being a medic for 12 years taught me a lot. It taught me that life is very short. We don’t know our expiration date on this world at all,” says Walcott. "It taught me to take every moment without rushing and just appreciate every little thing that you can."