Hush Collection soothes childrens’ pain

CDs make $350,000 contribution to pediatric pain management research

Dr Cathy Crock has worked in the Haematology Department at the Royal Childrens’ Hospital, Melbourne, for six years. She conducts bone marrow and lumbar punctures for oncology patients, procedures that can cause children some pain and distress.

To calm and relax her young patients Cathy began organising music and play therapy to distract children while they waited for procedures. She also convinced friends from classical music circles to perform on two CDs -‘Cello Lullaby‘ and ‘The Hush Collection‘. Today the CDs are played in various areas around the hospital to relax and calm children.

As well as overseeing the production and promotion of the CDs, Cathy negotiated with children’s hospitals around Australia and ‘The Hush Collection’ is now marketed nationally and benefits other paediatric centers. The income from the sale of these CDs is used for research into pain management.

A recent, fourth addition to the series,’Duo Odyssey’ features:

• Australian ensemble ‘Duo Sol‘ – Caroline Almante on piano and Miki Tsunoda on violin
• Duo, Trub and Brown – cellist Niall Brown and pianist Isabelle Trub.

Volunteers & collaboration – Musicians gladly compose and perform.
“Our inspiration comes from the inner strength and courage of these children and their families” says Caroline Almante.

Niall Brown agrees, “Nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing our music alleviate suffering and calm children in pain.”

Volunteers pack the CD into boxes so they can be delivered to outlets, for sale @ $24.95 per CD, at:

• All Australian Childrens’ hospitals
• participating Australia Post offices
• Dymocks Bookshops
• ABC Shops
• online at www.hush.org.au

Cathy’s initiative and dedication to oncology patients made her the very worthy recipient of The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Chairman’s Medal, 2004.