The difference Jack deserves

How music therapy helped Jack find his voice

A life shaped by music

From the moment he was born, Jack faced an uphill battle. Diagnosed with omphalocele – a rare condition where the organs form outside the body – he underwent multiple surgeries before receiving a life saving kidney transplant at just 20 months old.

Now 13, Jack’s health remains fragile, requiring constant monitoring and regular visits to Queensland Children’s Hospital. He also lives with autism and ADHD and communicates non-verbally – making routine procedures like blood tests especially challenging after years of repeated treatments.

But for Jack, music became more than comfort – it became his voice. Thanks to music therapy, he found a way to navigate the toughest moments with resilience and strength.

Finding his voice through music

Music therapy has been a part of Jack’s life since his earliest hospital days. When pain and fear were constant, music provided comfort and a sense of calm. As Jack’s health improved, music became an increasingly active part of his recovery, helping him move, grow and achieve milestones that other kids take for granted.

Today, music remains at the heart of Jack’s life. He uses it to express himself, find peace and connect with others. His family watched in awe as Jack who has always been non-verbal, performed his own rendition of his favourite song, “All Star” in front of a crowd at Queensland Children’s Hospital – a moment his family will never forget.

“Few people realised how big that moment was for us. Jack found his voice through music.”

– Anita, Jack’s Mum

Changing the hospital experience through music

For over 30 years, the Children’s Hospital Foundation has proudly supported music therapy at Queensland Children’s Hospital to ensure children like Jack receive the best care. Queensland Children’s Hospital now runs one of the largest hospital-based music therapy programs in Australia, delivering over 50 hours of sessions a week.

Music therapy is so much more than just music. Each session is carefully tailored to a child’s individual needs – helping reduce pain, ease anxiety during treatments and provide moments of connection and joy. Research shows that music can also help rebuild important neurological pathways, supporting children’s speech, movement and coordination.

“Music therapy has been life changing for Jack – it’s helped him heal, grow and connect in ways we never thought possible.”

– Anita, Jack’s Mum

Thanks to the Foundation’s commitment to providing world-class care, kids like Jack can keep moving forward – one note at a time.