Musical project brings comfort to patients at Ophir Loyola
Saxophone and Pará brega performances transformed the hospital routine and moved patients and staff during a humanization action
With the theme "Notes of Hope", the Ophir Loyola Hospital (HOL) launched a musical project aimed at welcoming oncology patients and their companions. The initiative, conceived by the hospital's Humanization department, seeks to provide moments of lightness and well-being during treatment. The project was launched on Tuesday (27), featuring singer and songwriter Marcelo Wall and professor from the School of Music of the Federal University of Pará (EMUFPA), Marcos Cardoso, who entertained the moment with classics of Brazilian and Pará popular music.
According to the Humanization coordinator at HOL, Michelle Azevedo, music helps reduce the effects of hospitalization by modifying behavior, emotions, and psychological states. "Musical intervention contributes to reducing anxiety and stress, which are common during the illness process, and fosters a more welcoming environment for patients and companions. The artists and musicians donate their time and talent to promote lightness and help patients face diseases laden with stigma and routines, such as chronic and degenerative diseases treated here. Therefore, an internal multidisciplinary work is carried out to alleviate this scenario," she stated.
Marcelo Wall is already a familiar presence in the hospital's corridors. His motivation arose from a personal experience when he accompanied his brother's treatment at the unit. "Since then, ten years have passed, and I maintain this close bond with the institution. Being here is a pleasure, as I can bring joy to those going through this difficult moment. I truly gain the day, the month," said the singer, who performed at the Radiotherapy Center.
During the performance, Professor Marcos enchanted the audience with classics of Brazilian music, such as "Naquela Mesa" by Nelson Gonçalves, as well as hits from the Pará regional repertoire. For him, providing this moment is more than an artistic gesture; it is an act of empathy. "Bringing music close to them, at a time when they are fragile, is very positive. It is a way to counteract the pain and discomfort of treatment, which is often invasive and exhausting," explained the saxophonist.
Among the patients touched by the initiative was Jorge Franco, a musician undergoing treatment for eye cancer. While waiting for care in the outpatient clinic, he was moved to hear the melody of the saxophone fill the environment and, for a few moments, transform the harsh hospital routine into comfort. "Music is a gift from God. It has a power that goes beyond what we imagine... It heals, calms, restores both the soul and the body. When we are in a situation like this, going through treatment, music comes as a hug. It is a medicine that does not come from a pharmacy, but comes from the heart, comes from God," he shared, emotionally.
Service:
If an artist or musician wants to volunteer for the project, just access the Ophir Loyola Hospital website, www.ophirloyola.pa.gov.br, where more information about the projects carried out in the humanization department is available, or contact by phone (91) 3265-6751 or email: [email protected]
Text: David Martinez, under the supervision of Leila Cruz
