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Billy Pacheco was half asleep in his room on Tower 5A when the sound of harp music roused him last week. He got out of bed and grabbed his harmonica.
What happened next had the entire floor mesmerized, with patients coming out of their rooms and staff stopping to listen. Pacheco opened his door and joined harpist Nancy Kleiman, who had come up to play on the Hematology/Oncology pod, in a duet of “Amazing Grace.”
Harmonica and harp were in harmony as the two performed, and when Pacheco began to sing, many on the floor were moved to tears.
Pacheco, a vocalist and musician who played guitar and drums in bands ranging the spectrum from country to rock during most of his life, has a difficult time playing because of his leukemia. His fingertips are numb, so he cannot play the guitar, and the harmonica is difficult because of the effort exerted to inhale and exhale quickly.
“It took him back to something that gave him pleasure,” said Kleiman, who met Pacheco in December when he was in the hospital for seven weeks. “Music allows us to go to that place. It’s a journey to wholeness.”
Pacheco found a special connection over music with Kleiman, who has been lifting spirits around the hospital for nearly two years as a part-time employee of Integrative Care.
“Music just makes you feel good,” Pacheco said. “It’s excellent that she goes around the hospital delivering cheer like this.”
Pacheco is awaiting a bone marrow transplant, but he and Kleiman have a deal: They plan to take their duet of “Amazing Grace” to the lobby when Pacheco is able.
“Music does wonders for people,” he said.
16 Comments
This is so very touching, it takes a special person to be able to lift up another. Thank you for making his day and ours too!!!! It did in fact bring tears to my eyes.
I'm so touched I can say no more.
This is no surprise to me, I was drawn to Nancy and her harp the first time I heard her play. I was at my desk in the Dialysis unit and heard this soothing music. I told my coworker that someone was playing a harp. They told me I was hearing things. It was so soothing I got up and followed the sound, there in front of the cafeteria I found Nancy. Since then we have become good friends, I have her CD and listen to it quite often. She is always welcome in the Dialysis unit. Our patients and staff enjoy her music. What she does inspires the soul, it can make you get up off your sick bed and take notice or play the harmonica. Nancy is a God send.
That was so beautiful and very touching to my soul.God bless Billy and Nancy.
Beautiful.... simply beautiful.
It is amazing! Every day I feel more and more amazed at BWH. Starting by delivering my 2 girls here, then by working here since October 2006. I am very touched by the kindness, respect, honesty of every employee I have to deal with here since October 2006. Really, BWH is the best hospital in the world. Keep on the good work! Georgette
I am a big fan of both Billy and Nancy. Together, they are amazing. What talent right here on the 5th floor at BWH! This was a great treat for other patients, staff and visitors.
I stop and listen to Nancy every time I come upon her. I have a stressful job and her music instantly relaxex me. Thanks, Nancy
My mother was hospitalized with colon cancer quite a few times at MGH before she passed and it would have been quite a cherishing moment if we had the chance to experience something like that. Thanks to both Nancy & Billy for sharing their deep soul-searching talents.
This was a very touching moment. But what we final to realize is that whatever problem someone may be going through, music is like a medicine and has a way of healing the Soul. To Nancy I say keep doing what you are doing and God bless you and all others you may touch.
It is just a blessing.Nancy's music is very soothing to your soul, mind and body.It is great to see someone who enjoy what they are called to do on this earth.With such grace she has touch so many with her music and her warm smile.
A perfect example of how holistic health can goes beyond medicine, and how true health involves not only the physical, but the emotional and spirtiual as well! :) Hearing Nancy play around BWH always lifts my spirits as well. I'm glad BWH is a part of programs like this.
Amazing that this moment was caught on video so well! I look forward to a concert in the lobby!
Nancy is God's gift to the hospital. Her music is so soothing, that it'll get ANYONE through a rough time. I've ALWAYS enjoyed her, especially when I first heard her at Beth Israel. Was upset when I left that I would never hear her again. GLAD SHE'S ALSO AT BRIGHAM!!
Perfectly beautiful...
I'm so happy to see this story shared. Billy has been a patient of mine for several months now. Music helps him find peace and a sense of strength to move forward. Nancy has helped him, and many other patients on 5a. It was so nice to see the other patients, staff and physicians finding five minutes to relax and find peace as well. Thanks Billy and Nancy!
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