what our host hospitals say:

You and your Bedside Harp Program have been a ray of sunshine for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Hamilton.

Christy Stephenson, Former President and CEO,
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, Hamilton, NJ,
from a letter written August 22, 2005

Through our unique professional relationship, we have had the opportunity to conduct research to prove the profound effects of the harp therapy music. One of those studies, “The Effects of Live Harp Therapy Music on Anxiety Levels in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy in an Outpatient Infusion Setting,” clearly proved that patients receiving harp therapy music during their chemotherapy felt less anxious and tolerated the treatment much better. This is significant because there is not much research that proves the medicinal benefit of harp therapy in healthcare!

Sharon Brown, RN, MSN, Assistant Vice President, Nursing,
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, Hamilton, NJ,
from a letter written February 21, 2005

Bedside Harp meets patients where they are at, often in a time and space that transcend words. Non-verbal screams are given non-verbal tones and vibrations that somehow speak to fears, hopes, anxiety, regrets, and dreams. This is the profound work of Bedside Harp: to compassionately and competently create a space of rest for healing and wellness, with no expectations for the patient to speak or explain.

John Marcantonio,
Director Patient Satisfaction and Community Service,
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway, Rahway, NJ,
from his 2008 Bedside Harp graduation speech,
delivered August 17, 2008

Edie...how grand this program is! I hear [the harpists] often and hear people comment about how lovely the music is to them…. Thanks for giving us this wonderful music and opportunities for so many people to give joy and peace to so many....

Linda Lewis, RN, MSN,
Executive Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer,
THE VALLEY HOSPITAL, Ridgewood, NJ,
from a note to Edie dated July 10, 2008

I cannot imagine Abington Memorial Hospital without Bedside Harp!

Barbara Wadsworth, RN, MSN,
Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer,
ABINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, Abington, PA,
from her message at the 2008 Bedside Harp graduation,
August 17, 2008