Caring to share her gift... one person can make a difference!

May 2003

Joyce and George.

Some people have a natural talent for brightening the lives of others. Whether it's with a warm smile, friendly hello, or playing a familiar song, we are fortunate if we can have such a person in our lives. The residents, patients, and staff at St. Camillus must be very lucky for they have been touched by the caring attitude and musical talents of Joyce B.

Joyce, 76, is the wife of 78-year-old Continuing Care resident, George B. George came to St. Camillus five years ago after suffering a stroke. It's easy to see that Joyce and George have cared deeply for each other throughout their 55-year marriage. Like many spouses, Joyce visits St. Camillus almost daily. Quick witted and cheerful, she has become a popular fixture at St. Camillus. Her friendly, easygoing personality has won her many friends, but it's her piano playing that has made such a difference to others around the facility.

"Joyce puts on over twenty musical activities each month all around St. Camillus," says Mary Ellen Goodbread, director of activities. "The room is usually packed when she plays. She knows all the oldies, and residents like to sing along."

Joyce plays from the heart. With little formal training, she also plays by ear. At age 16 a music teacher told her she had enough talent to become a concert pianist. That was her dream.

Joyce takes a moment to smile after playing 45 minutes straight for St. Camillus Adult Day Health clients recently.

"I'll never forget [my grandmother's] words as I grew up. She told me, 'God gave you a gift. Use it wisely and follow your dream.'"

Joyce was very close to her grandmother. She sparked Joyce's interest in playing piano. Even though Joyce never became a concert pianist, she knows that she's definitely been given a gift. A gift she's happy to share with anyone who will listen.

"You just don't even think about it," says Joyce of her desire to play piano for St. Camillus residents. "I've loved music so much since I was a little girl. Whatever I am and grew up to be, I thank my grandmother who taught me love's meaning and faith in myself."

About seven years ago Joyce found an audience eager to hear her play. She started sharing her gift with the residents at Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville. Her cousin, Marlene, was an activities leader, and Joyce played there every Thursday. Shortly after George came to St. Camillus, Marlene mentioned Joyce's outstanding musical talent to a friend, Mary Ellen Goodbread, who worked at St. Camillus. It wasn't long before Joyce began playing piano for St. Camillus residents.

Many at St. Camillus have noticed that Joyce's music can reach out to residents in very powerful ways. Some with Alzheimer's disease and dementia have responded positively to Joyce's piano playing. Fingers that were once still began tapping. Heads slowly started moving to catch up with the music's beat.

Joyce modeled wedding gowns in last summer's wedding fashion show put on by the St. Camillus activities department.

"The residents look forward to having her play," says Goodbread. "Certain residents are limited to what they can participate in, but music always seems to get through to them."

Many times Joyce has gone out of her way to help others at St. Camillus. She'll take requests from residents and staff to play certain songs. If she doesn't know a particular tune, she'll learn it. Joyce has even helped out with St. Camillus activities. She modeled in a wedding fashion show the activities department put on for residents last summer.

When asked how his wife does so much to make such a difference for so many people, George B. just shakes his head in amazement. George's stroke severely impaired his speech. He's generally content to just sit in the background and let Joyce do her thing.

Joyce's support of St. Camillus and its residents doesn't go unnoticed. The Resident Council gave her an "Angel Among Us" award for all that she does to touch residents' lives.

"It's her caring approach," says Beverly Griffin, St. Camillus associate director of nursing, of Joyce's presence at the facility. "She cares so much. She brings herself, her music and a lot of sunlight to all of us here. It makes us feel very special."

Joyce receives a warm welcome-back hug from Mary Hahn, dining services, after her recent hospital stay.

Joyce was ill recently and wasn't able visit with George or play piano at St. Camillus for a couple of weeks. She was sorely missed. The activities department sent flowers. Residents sent cards and said prayers. Although she's still got some more medical stuff to deal with, she has been warmly received since returning to her visits and piano playing at the facility. Staff stop to hug her and ask how she's feeling. Residents are delighted to see her and offer words of encouragement.

Joyce's playful sense of humor and enthusiasm has touched many at St. Camillus. Although it's unfortunate that a stroke brought George and Joyce to the facility, she has made the most of the situation by caring to share her gift of music with others.