My Beloved Causes

Songs By Heart ~~ connecting people with memory loss to the joy of music

Singer Nancy Gustafson and I co-founded this organization with the goal of bringing singers and song into as many nursing homes and memory-challenged residences across the country as we can.  'Songs By Heart' began in Chicago, then spread quickly to Los Angeles and Phoenix.  As of this writing, 'Songs By Heart' is at work in 18 cities across America with more to come.  We have watched music make a lasting difference in the lives of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  People who cannot remember very much at all can remember their favorite songs … and sing them with us!
 


 

Christel House International ~~ changing the world 5,000 children at a time
 
Christel DeHaan has a mission!  She knows every child deserves a seat at the table of life and she believes you "lift from the bottom".  Only the most impoverished children are admitted to Christel House learning centers around the world.  The students at Christel Houses are excelling academically and are learning important life skills as they go.  CHI success rates are stunning and I am thrilled to be part of the CHI Family of supporters.  
 


 

AMPATH ~~ the Indiana University - Kenya Medical Partnership
 
Perhaps the greatest work IU is doing is also its best-kept secret and I hope to help change that.  AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) was founded by three IU physicians over 30 years ago.  The work AMPATH is doing today is saving and improving many lives.  Comprehensive medical care is now available to 8 million people living in western Kenya and I am proud, proud, proud to be attached to a university that sees beyond its borders to reach out and help a population in need.