Garth Entertains MOC’s One Millionth Patient
• In 1999, an idea to bring the healing power of music directly into the rooms of hospital patients morphed into what is now Musicians On Call (MOC), the nonprofit that delivers live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. MOC is now celebrating the remarkable milestone of reaching one million people nationwide through its Bedside Performance Program, Virtual Bedside Performance Program and Music Pharmacy.
In honor of this amazing accomplishment, the organization recently teamed up with superstar Garth Brooks, who graciously agreed to perform virtually for MOC’s one-millionth person — Marianna Mishik, an 87-year-old Staten Island native who was recovering from a fall at Staten Island University Hospital.
As a lifelong Country music fan, Mishik and Brooks bonded over their military ties, favorite songs and their mutual love of the genre. Mishik and her daughter Audrey Parente were then treated to a personal concert as Garth sang a couple of his hits just for them. Mishik also shared her love of dancing, and Garth even offered to take her dancing in Nashville once she felt better. The virtual visit was arranged in conjunction with the launch of MOC’s Jason Pollack Bedside Performance Program at Staten Island University Hospital. The program is named in honor of Jason Pollack, the father of Alissa Pollack, iHeartMedia EVP, Global Music Marketing & Strategy
“This is a monumental moment for Musicians On Call and everyone who has had a hand in touching the lives of one million patients, families and caregivers, bringing them joy through music during some of their toughest days,” said Pete Griffin, Pres./CEO of Musicians On Call. “Thanks to the commitment of our volunteers and our partnerships with healthcare facilities, we’ve been able to use the healing power of music to improve the lives of so many people. We are deeply grateful to Garth Brooks for joining us in this celebration and creating an unforgettable moment for the one-millionth person impacted by our programs. This is a day none of us will forget.”
Afterwards, Parente said, “My mother is one of the most incredible women, and meeting Garth was an incredible experience. Music helps you put your mind somewhere else, especially Country music — it gets down into your bones — and I’m hoping it will heal my mother’s bones!” For more information on Musicians On Call visit musiciansoncall.org.
