“Maya Angelou said, "People will never forget how you made them feel." Welcome to where there is opportunity to find true inspiration and hope, in the midst of medical challenges. Our programs at RMDH-NY allow us to witness the power of music directly when we see the faces of the patients and families we serve. BIV creates a space for individuals to be seen how they truly are and how they want to be seen, despite their circumstances. We "change" the physical environment through art and imagination during our monthly programs. In addition, we give a forever memory when we create personal songs during “Songs in the Key of Me!” These songs transform the emotions and mentality of RMH-NY families chosen for the season into beauty. It is genuinely a one of a kind opportunity to bring some hope and to transform a life! I’ve seen it personally many times...”

- Danielle K. Thomas-Banks, Program Director, Ronald McDonald House - New York

Songs in the Key of Me!: Ronald McDonald house NY

Our pioneering outreach program for BIV, "Songs in the Key of ME!" created by founder, Michael McElroy, began at The Ronald McDonald House New York in 2011. “Songs in the Key of Me!” brings together a Broadway composing team with pediatric cancer patients and their families from Ronald McDonald House-New York to create an original musical composition. Each individual program concludes with a concert or video featuring the personalized song(s) performed by members of BIV, the Broadway community, or the composer/lyricists themselves. 

"Songs in the Key of Me!" transforms lives of not only these incredibly amazing brave young children undergoing treatment, but also their families, the Ronald McDonald House staff, and BIV members. 

BIV immediately answered the call for increased services during the pandemic by expanding services to reach the larger Ronald McDonald House community and began sharing programs virtually.

BIV @RMH

In January 2021, we launched our monthly program BIV @RMH, which allows us to engage with patients and families who are receiving treatment as well as patients who have returned home. Our lead Teaching Artist for this program is actor, producer, and composer, Ben Chavez from Disney’s Aladdin. This program allows patients and families to TRANSFORM their space for a bit of time to be enlivened and experience joy and hope through music.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE-
NY PROGRAMS

 ABOUT OUR PARTNER: RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE-NY

The Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) provides temporary housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment that encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with such a devastating diagnosis. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. 

TESTIMONIALS

“What a delight to make music with all of you! Thank you so much for such a glorious performance – I feel like we did exactly what we needed to do, and I know Josie was thrilled with her song. Let's do it again!”

- All best, Jason Robert Brown, Composer

“Thanks so much for allowing Zaria to experience such a wonderful tribute. She is still over the moon and is working on learning to sing the song. We truly had a wonderful time and Zaria even expressed how she felt so at home with all the talent (not much natural talent in our family...lol). She reported that she took lots of notes and intends to provide hope and inspiration to people with challenges like you all did for her.”

- Best regards, Penelope, Mother of a patient

“All the way home, about every ten minutes or so: "I loved my song! It was so funny!  And Danielle was so great, too!" I am rarely at a loss for words, but it is difficult to express how special this night was for Anne and all our family. It was a night to remember, for sure, and an honor to know such incredibly talented and generous people. You give us hope in a world where it is sometimes difficult to find...a true gift, like no other. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And may life bring you joy, peace, and contentment for all the rest of your days!”

- With love and deepest gratitude, Maria Mosca, Art Kelly, and especially Anne Matthew Kelly (of the Exclamation Point) !, Parent of patient

OUR LEAD PROGRAM SUPPORTERS

BIV Arts & Education programs are made possible with the generous and longstanding support from our lead funders and diverse family of supporters.

Learn more about our programs and our dynamic team HERE. Feel free to connect with us and send us any questions or inquires to ArtsEducation@BIVoices.org.

“ I have only one word to describe yesterday’s BIV concert…..INCREDIBLE!

Thank you [BIV] for making dreams come true.  Our children and their families were elated, proud, and honored. This was truly an evening that will last a lifetime in the hearts of our families, friends, and all in attendance.Your partnership and your friendship mean the world to us. 

With heartfelt thanks and appreciation”

- Nelinda Barreto, Director of Programs, Hospital Outreach & Family Rooms at Ronald McDonald House - New York