A recent breast cancer diagnosis led 29-year-old Samantha Keays to find solace in music, a source of comfort for her. To further enrich her healing journey, Keays decided to join a novel choir named Healing Voices, tailored for individuals directly impacted by cancer or involved in caregiving roles.
Being relatively new to Saint John, Keays found herself in a position where she lacked a strong support network in the area. Despite the unwavering support of her partner, Christopher, who she describes as her pillar of strength, his demanding work schedule often left her feeling isolated during her initial struggle with the diagnosis. The opportunity to connect with others who shared similar experiences through the Healing Voices choir proved invaluable to Keays.
The brainchild behind this initiative is Kelly Galbraith, a seasoned choir director with a personal battle against cancer. Galbraith’s vision for the choir materialized following her own cancer diagnosis, inspiring her to create a musical space that fosters unity and healing for those affected by the disease.
The choir’s repertoire, including songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Lean on Me,” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” reflects a theme of camaraderie and mutual support. Galbraith aims for the choir to serve as a beacon of solidarity, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating the challenges of cancer.
Joining this choir has also resonated with Heather Purcell, a cancer fighter herself, who discovered Healing Voices through her participation in another singing group. For Purcell, the choir represents a sanctuary of companionship amidst the turmoil of cancer treatment, offering a platform for emotional release and shared understanding.
Similarly, Olivia Donovan, a caregiver to her husband battling pancreatic cancer, finds solace in the Healing Voices choir. For Donovan, the choir presents an opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers and cancer fighters, forming a support system that transcends the boundaries of illness.
As the Healing Voices choir prepares for its inaugural concert, the anticipation of shared emotions and the power of music to heal and unite individuals affected by cancer permeate the air. The choir stands as a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of its members, who find solace and strength in each other’s company on this challenging yet transformative journey.