August 9, 2020 | Blogs and News
By Mireille Karadanaian — 3 min read — Interview with Founder, Raffi Tachdjian and CMF Parents, Jen and Scotty Coats
They may not wear capes or have super strength, but parents are the greatest heroes we have. Everyday they fulfill their mission to keep their children happy, healthy and safe, despite all the obstacles in the world. That’s why we honor the important role parents have in their childrens’ lives.
Family is at the heart of the Children’s Music Fund’s purpose, and we admire the parents and guardians of our CMF Kids, who remain strong, supportive and united throughout the difficult journeys their children face. Dr. Raffi Tachdjian, founder and president of Children’s Music Fund, says our parents, music therapists and children are all a family and belong indefinitely to the CMF community.
“We’re a family because we’re all in this together and when a child gets sick, the entire household is affected. That’s why it’s important to involve every member, including the parents in Music Therapy sessions.”
Dr. Tachdjian credits his own parents for playing a tremendous role in inspiring him to pursue Music Therapy and leave an impact on those around him. For as long as he can remember, blanketed in his mother’s love and tenderness, there was one consistent theme and message being spread – stand up for something bigger than yourself.
“My mom always believed in social justice, to stand up for others and to leave society better than how I found it.” It was this fundamental philosophy that guided Dr. Tachdjian to start an organization that made a difference not only in the lives of sick children, but in their families and communities as well.
While Dr. Tachdjian’s mission was unstoppable, he needed the support and help of those with a similar goal. That’s why we honor our CMF parents who were relentless in their effort to create a safe haven for their kids at our organization. Despite all odds, they found a way to inspire a new beauty and hope in the hearts of their children. This fervent dedication and willingness to stop at nothing until they find a solution, is proof of a parent’s power, love and purpose – to make their child smile again.
Often, after years of different treatment options and no results, hearing about a program like Children’s Music Fund, that offers a safe and alternative form of healing, is truly like music to parents’ ears. Both Jen and Scotty Coats, parents to CMF Kid, Nolan, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. They said that there was nothing difficult or scary about walking into these Music Therapy sessions, that instead, they were granted a chance for change.
“Nolan was nonverbal for the first three and a half years of his life, but after his Music Therapy sessions, he was able to express himself. Hearing my son say, ‘Dadda’ and ‘Momma,’ for the first time meant everything to me,” his father, Scotty, said.
As parents, it was painful to watch their son, whose cognitive motors were functioning, remain unable to speak. But they said, through the beats and taps of music, Nolan was able to find a rhythmic cadence that translated into words.
“Music is truly a universal language, it gave my son the words he needed and we’re forever grateful to Children’s Music Fund for helping Nolan,” Scotty explained.
Jen Coats said that the music therapy wasn’t just healing for her son, but was a gift to her as well. “His energy would shift, he would respond, pay attention and remain engaged during the sessions. It gave us peace and relief to know that he will be able to communicate with us.”
Their music therapist, Stacie, soon became a part of the family, forming a deep and powerful connection with Nolan. “She’s more than just a music therapist for us. And even after the session expired, she kept coming to our house on her time, every week, in order to play her music with Nolan.”
“If everyone was a Stacie, and had her kind heart, the world would be a better place,” Scotty remarked, crediting her for the beautiful musical transformation their family experienced.
The Coats had always been a musical family, but Nolan’s Music Therapy sessions forever redefined the word. Before they’d used forms of communication like sign language or the Picture Exchange Communication System, a form of augmentative and alternative communication for kids on the autism spectrum. But after Music Therapy, Jen said,
“They played lots of music to get him to respond and slowly the musical notes turned into sounds and sounds turned into words and then words became full sentences.”
Especially during this current pandemic ravaging our world, it’s difficult to balance work, being a parent and staying healthy and safe. But through CMF’s telehealth services and constant advocacy of the power of Music Therapy, families are able to remain united and strong. Dr. Tachdjian said to never forget that, “there is an entire team of people behind Children’s Music Fund to make one Music Therapy session happen and everyone one of us is there for your child.”
Now, Nolan is doing better than ever.
“He has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) and was in SDC (special day class) until 1st grade where he transitioned full time to mainstream. He’s now going into 5th grade and graduated from speech in 3rd grade. He still is a part of RSP (Resource Specialist Program) and receives occupational therapy, but he also has a lot of hobbies he loves, like swimming, karate, riding his bike, and drawing comics,” Jen said.
And with the help of Music Therapy, his imagination has blossomed and he’s found a passion for storytelling and sharing his ideas and words.
Despite years of waiting and hopelessness, the Coats found Children’s Music Fund and a solution that brightened their entire family. They urge any family that is interested in music therapy to connect with Children’s Music Fund.
“Don’t wait, if your child gravitates towards music, sign them up with Children’s Music Fund. We listened to our son, we knew how to communicate with him. We saw the world through his eyes and knew this was the best path for him.”
And more importantly, Jen said, “You not only learn a lot about your child through music therapy and its healing powers, but you may find that special therapist that becomes family and forever remains your support system.”
Life is no storybook with easy answers and perfect solutions for everyone, but life is full of beautiful and enriching ideas that transcend all boundaries and inequalities. Music is a universal language and will always be one, and with the support of parents, doctors and music therapists, Children’s Music Fund, promises to use its transformative power to bring a smile to a child’s face. Dr. Tachdjian says,
“To the parents of CMF Kids – I hope that we continue to make you proud, but more importantly, that we continue to improve the health, mindset and skill-set of your child and everyone important to them as well.”
Thank you to all our CMF parents for believing in the power of Music Therapy. We honor the unconditional love and support you show for your and our CMF Kids!
To help other families find peace and hope in their journeys, donate here!
Read about more stories like Nolan’s, here.
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