Meet Amy Sweeney, Our Featured Volunteer from Philadelphia!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? I volunteer at Bryn Mawr, Lankenau and Lourdes
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? I have been volunteering since 2015
Are you a volunteer guide or musician? Guide
What is your occupation outside of MOC? I’m the VP of Brand Engagement for a production company
Do you have any hidden talents? Hmmm…if I revealed they won’t be hidden!
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? I have always had a deep connection with music. I grew up in Philadelphia which is a city with some of the most soulful music there is. My parents always had music playing in our home and can still hear a song that brings back a relatable memory. I think that’s what drew me to MOC. The relatability. Music (with or without lyrics) can take you to another place and be exactly what you need it to be. It can be the words you needed to hear or the tempo to lift you up or let you cry. To watch patients’ expressions and demeanor completely change during a song is magical.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? I appreciate the consistency of the research efforts from MOC to always make the process a great one. I also love my coordinator who makes it possible for me to juggle my family and career with my guiding.
Has your life changed because of your experience with Musicians On Call? Without a doubt. Every time I leave the hospital I feel so grateful for having the opportunity to make someone smile.
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? I had an elderly gentleman who did not speak but nodded yes to a song. Our musician picked the first song that came to his head and played an Irish tune on his fiddle. The elderly gentleman started to tear up then sing every word to the jig. The patient was from Ireland and that song was from the county he lived in. That was nothing more than divine intervention in my opinion. The rest of the floor also requested Irish songs the rest of the night so we had an impromptu Irish theme night!