Rachael Finnerty joined Jesse’s Foundation for Music and Dance Therapy as Director of Music Therapy in 2001.
Jesse’s Foundation for Music and Dance Therapy is a registered charity that works to make it affordable and convenient for children with identified needs (and their siblings) to access the proven benefits of music and dance therapy.
The Foundation's inspiration and namesake is seven year old Jesse Farquharson. In April 2001, after months of painful and traumatic chemotherapy, Jesse underwent a nationally profiled historic stem cell transplant. During his recovery music therapy was often the only comfort that stopped his crying.
Today Jesse, who is visually impaired, remains in remission. However, his hospital visits for procedures continue. Thankfully, his music therapy sessions (funded by his own family, not this Foundation) help him manage the stress of treatments (past and ongoing), develop and manage his remaining senses and bring him great joy.
Rachael volunteers her time to speak about music therapy to raise awareness of the benefits of music therapy and raise funds for new and existing music therapy programs. Rachael has assisted in the development of the Jesses Sound Potential Music Therapy programs which are music therapy programs outside of the GTA, at a subsidized rate. Making music therapy more accessible both physically and financially as many families commute to Toronto for music therapy, and are already financially strained due to the child’s ‘special’ needs.
www.jessesfoundation.com
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