Music Therapy Marathon to Benefit Children with Autism

Event Date: November 16, 2001
Place: Ada, Michigan

Sister Mary Margaret Delaski, FSE will play music continuously for 12 hours in the first Music Therapy Marathon for children with autism to be held at Franciscan Rhythms Music Studio in Ada, Michigan. Sister came up with the idea of the marathon as a way to raise funds to support the music therapy services for children with autism at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell, Michigan.

For 15 years, the Center has provided specialized music therapy services for these children and has seen some very encouraging results. Funds are needed to continue the program supplemented by grants and donations.

Sister Mary Margaret, a music therapist who also trains music therapy interns and teaches music lessons, is the foundress of Franciscan Rhythms and has inaugurated innovative programs in Michigan for those with a brain injury, those with developmental delay, cancer, Alzheimer's or autism. She is well known in Michigan as a forerunner in the profession.

Sister exclaims, "Thank goodness other musicians have agreed to help me out!" Rich Ridenour, well-known pianist in West Michigan who has performed classical, pop and ragtime music throughout the US, will play from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Elizabeth Wooster, principal harpist of the Grand Rapids Symphony will play from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Beverly Covell will join Sister Mary Margaret as a duet partner from 7:00-8:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend any time from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Please call Franciscan Life Process Center, 616-897-7842, to find out about making a per hour pledge for the marathon.