Letter from the President
In each issue of The Compass , we share stories illustrating how philanthropy helps the Baylor Scott & White Health community live out our core value of We make an impact . Many times , the impact is tangible , like investments in campus modernizations or in innovative clinical trials . At other times , the impact is impossible to quantify and no less meaningful to the patients , families and team members we are privileged to serve .
For example , there ’ s no way to put a number on how a patient ’ s mood is lifted when they walk through BSW Charles A .
Sammons Cancer Center and hear one of our artists in residence playing the harp or cello . While the impact isn ’ t easily quantifiable , its significance is undeniable .
“ It ’ s like Dorothy going from black and white into the Technicolor of Oz ,” said Alison Read , one of six artists in residence in the Arts in Medicine program at BSW . “ You have that beautiful color of sound around you , and it ’ s sometimes all you need .”
I ’ ve witnessed these Technicolor transformations firsthand as I ’ ve happened to catch Alison playing everything from Willie Nelson to Coldplay . The music momentarily takes me away from whatever stressors I ’ m facing to a more relaxed state .
These brief reprieves are meaningful for me — and they must be even more so to a patient facing a life-altering diagnosis or a team member who has just ended a challenging shift .
“ To see in people ’ s faces the impact that the music has is remarkable ,” Alison said . “ People stop by when I play and comment about how wonderful it is to hear the music and what a difference it makes in their day .”
Generous donors enable us to make differences like these every day . You can read about many of them , including Kay Aylesworth , in this issue . Kay , a former music therapist , made a significant estate gift to support Arts in Medicine at BSW , which is fully funded by philanthropy and allows us to have artists in residence , like Alison , perform at Sammons .
As I consider all the ways our community of donors unite to make an impact , tangible and intangible , I have immense gratitude . Thank you for helping us create an environment where everyone can find comfort and hope — and a little music to their ears .
Ben Renberg President , Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Ben . Renberg @ BSWHealth . org
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Healing Through Music Therapy
Former music therapist leaves resounding planned gift .
When Kay Aylesworth recalls her time studying music therapy at Michigan State University , she remembers a professor explaining that music is a nonthreatening means of communication . This idea shaped her career as she used music to help patients express their feelings when she worked as a music therapist in Rochester , New York , in the 1960s .
In 1964 , Kay moved to Dallas and shifted careers , becoming an American Airlines flight attendant . Despite the career change ,
Kay ’ s belief in the healing power of music has remained , inspiring her to make a significant estate gift to support Arts in Medicine at Baylor Scott & White , a program that integrates the visual arts , music and performing arts to promote healing .
Arts in Medicine programs are offered at no cost to patients and rely 100 % on support from generous donors . In 2023 alone , music therapists at Baylor University Medical Center conducted over 700 individual music therapy sessions for patients and caregivers .
Kay was introduced to the music therapy program at Baylor Scott & White in 2017 through a colleague , Cynthia Krause , who recently retired as vice president of strategic philanthropy at the BSW Dallas Foundation . Kay decided then she wanted to support the program because she knew the impact music therapy could have on healing .
“ There are many areas where this program can help benefit people , and there is so much opportunity to continue expanding on it . Art and music therapy helps patients find their own worth ,” Kay said . “ It helps build their self-esteem .”
Multiple studies on music therapy ’ s effectiveness show improvements in mood — particularly in reducing anxiety — and improved emotional expression , communication and quality of life .
“ I have had the privilege of knowing Kay and her late husband , Ray , for many years . One thing that has always been consistent with them is their desire to help others ,” said Craig Foster , senior director of foundation relations and gift planning at BSW Dallas Foundation . “ It ’ s been a joy to see Kay be able to help people through supporting one of her passions in music therapy .”
Kay Aylesworth ( left ) with Cynthia Krause , recently retired BSW Dallas Foundation vice president of strategic philanthropy , who introduced her to the music therapy program at BUMC in 2017 .
For more information on how you can leave a legacy through a bequest or other planned gift , please contact Craig Foster at 214.820.8196 or Craig . Foster @ BSWHealth . org .
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2024