Songs for Sick Kids
Warning: I’m about to get all serious and sappy. Leave now if you can’t stand seeing my soft side; I’ll think no less of you.
Still with me? Okay.
I saw a really moving segment on “60 Minutes II” the other night. It was about a guy named John Beltzer; he writes, produces, and records custom-made songs for sick kids — children who have leukemia and other chronic and terminal illnesses.
It was inspiring: as you could see in the footage, the kids really derive a lot of joy from the songs, and Beltzer’s devotion to what he sees as his life calling is impressive. He wanted to be a rock star but failed; he realized, after his own brother died, that he could use music to help children who really need cheering up.
Here’s Beltzer’s site, and here’s the “60 Mintues II” piece.