Six-year-old Leeland Helzer’s journey is one of resilience, love, and the power of music. Diagnosed with chromosome deletion syndrome that gives him limited mobility and the inability to speak, Leeland and his parents have faced immense challenges. Yet with the support of Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, Leeland continues to defy expectations, finding joy in everyday moments—especially through music.
Music has always been a source of comfort for Leeland. Throughout the day, you can hear the familiar melodies of Taylor Swift, Leeland’s favorite artist, filling their home. Beth, Leeland’s mother and caregiver, was excited to hear that music therapy was available through Hospice of Michigan in addition to the support of their care team.
Soon after, music therapist Kyle Nieman began personalized music therapy sessions for Leeland, spending an hour each week filled with smiles, engaging rhythms, and emotional connection. Classic tunes like “Twist and Shout” along with modern favorites like “You Belong With Me” are some of the songs that Kyle shared, adapting each song to incorporate Leeland’s name. For the first time in a long while, the background music was off, and Leeland was fully engaged in the music therapy experience with Beth. During their first session together, his response was so powerful that
Beth was moved to tears, expressing deep gratitude for the support.
Leeland’s medical journey has been filled with obstacles, from heart surgeries to frequent illnesses due to a compromised immune system. His parents, Beth and Brian, have worked tirelessly to ensure he receives the best care and are so grateful for the extra support that they have received. Though it was an incredibly difficult choice to sign Leeland onto hospice care, it has made an incredible difference.
“Hospice isn’t about giving up,” Beth explains. “It’s another angle of care—one that is focused on comfort. It’s not accepting defeat but rather accepting that you can’t provide everything that they need by yourself.”
Through compassionate care and the remarkable power of music therapy, Beth and Brian can find comfort in knowing Leeland’s quality of life remains at the center of his care.
Learn more about music therapy
Unfortunately, music therapy is not available in every Hospice of Michigan region. If you are interested in donating to support an integrative therapy program—like music therapy—so every family can remain focused on quality of life, please click here.