Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/77424
of the song, Jose clapped and then began to sing a song in Spanish for us. Again, tears threatened to spill over my eyelids and escape down my cheeks. When he finished, I got on the floor with Jose and put my guitar in front of him and let him play and sing until his heart was content. There was a great sense of accomplishment as we became his music therapists that day. Through the course of our visit, Chris and I witnessed how music therapy can distract a pediatric burn survivor from the pain of bandage changes, debridement, staple removal, and pre- and postsurgical anxiety. We believe that if something as simple as music can help alleviate the need of narcotics and antidepressants, then it is a modality that needs to be implemented into every burn unit, and certainly something to be mindful of in the quiet sanctuary of the massage therapy room. CHRIS HALLWAS'S STORY Unlike Jen, I did not grow up in a children's burn unit, but working with burn survivors has become a passionate mission for us both. Every burn survivor is different and every burn survivor I have been privileged to meet has enriched my life. I see each person as beautiful and unique. After a few minutes, the scars disappear and I see the wonderful person before me. The scars are no longer disfigurements, but a part of the survivor's story and a testimony to their strength. My friendship with Jen began with our first trip to Nicaragua in 2008. I was honored to be a part of this amazing mission. We were eager to return for our second trip in July 2010, and someone was gracious enough to donate a guitar for our work. Jen brought the guitar to our first day at the hospital and immediately staff members were eager to try music therapy in the burn unit. Although our Spanish "Chris and I were able to gain his trust and massage his legs for him, which he enjoyed, but it was later that we saw the true miracle through music therapy." Jen Hartley Chris Hallwas (left) and Jen Hartley demonstrate burn scar massage therapy on 8-year-old Freddie Carlos, who has third-degree hypertrophic scarring. earn CE hours at your convenience: abmp's online education center, www.abmp.com 71