Blue Star Connection, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing music into the lives of children and young adults who are fighting cancer and other life-challenging situations, recently donated a variety of musical instruments to CHRISTUS Sutton Children’s Medical Center.  The initial donation included four acoustic guitars, one bass guitar, a drum set and an electronic keyboard, and the hospital is expecting more to come in the near future.

“It was like Christmas when all of those boxes arrived in my office,” said Shawn Brasher, CCLS, Child Life Program Manager at CHRISTUS Sutton Children’s Medical Center.

Blue Star Connection “connected” with Sutton Children’s Hospital through local teen musician, Matthew Davidson.  He and his mother, Ella Davidson, became aware of this organization through Matthew’s performances and networking at various blues festivals.  As a former volunteer at the hospital, Ella knew that Sutton Children’s would be a perfect candidate for the program.  So, she contacted Blue Star Connection’s director, John Catt, who was already in the midst of planning a benefit concert in New Orleans.  John decided that prior to the concert, Blue Star Connection would donate instruments to Sutton Children’s in Shreveport and to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.  

“I enjoy music so much,” said Matthew Davidson.  “It’s nice to be a part of something to bring that same benefit to others, especially to children in the hospital.”

Blue Star Connection is presenting a benefit concert at Rock “N” Bowl in New Orleans on Saturday, March 31. The lineup will include The Royal Southern Brotherhood with special guest Tab Benoit, The Bart Walker Band, Lil’ Red and Big Bad, and Matthew Davidson. For concert information or to make a donation, please visit bluestarconnection.org

About CHRISTUS Schumpert Sutton Children’s Medical Center:  

Located within CHRISTUS Schumpert, Sutton Children’s Medical center is recognized as a preeminent community-based private children’s hospital that includes and inpatient unit, a PICU and a Level III NICU. Child Life specialists are available to help children cope with treatment.  The Pediatric Emergency Department provides specialized emergency care just for kids and general pediatric and pediatric specialist clinics are conveniently located in or near the hospital.  CHRISTUS Sutton Children’s Medical Center is a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 

About Blue Star Connection:  

The Blue Star Connection mission is to provide access and ownership of musical instruments for children and young adults with cancer and other serious life challenges.  They also work with musical therapists in children’s hospitals, and host fundraisers and benefit concerts in many cities around the country.  To date, Blue Star Connection has reached hundreds of kids and donated musical gear to sixteen children's hospitals, therapy programs, as well as several other community programs.  For more information, visit bluestarconnection.org.

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