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Holy Name’s Harmonicare Program Celebrates One Year

Free music program benefits patients with chronic lung disease

November 29, 2016

Since the launching of Holy Name Medical Center's Harmonicare program for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), participants of all ages have taken part in this free program which takes place once a week at Holy Name Medical Center (HNMC). The program is now nearing its one year anniversary and continues to grow with participants traveling to Holy Name from across the NJ/NY metro area to take part.

"When we first launched the program, we did not know what to expect," commented Karine Shnorhokian, a nurse manager at Holy Name. "Every week we receive phone calls from individuals requesting to sign up. They love the program, and we welcome anyone battling chronic lung disease, regardless of age."

With the support of hospital administration, Shnorhokian launched the program in November 2015, coinciding with COPD awareness month. Participant range in age from as young as seven to those in their 80s. Each week, attendees come to Holy Name Medical Center and exercise their lungs for an hour while making music.

"The program offers moral support and also allows individuals an opportunity to connect with program staff, who help guide them in managing the complexities of their lung disease," commented pulmonologist Dr. Harris Tesher.

Garden State Harmonica Club (GSHC) member Jeff Bernstein generously volunteers his time to teach participants how to play the harmonica. With the guidance from GSHC president Sue Fallon, the growing song list includes tunes like, "Happy Birthday," "Piano Man," and "You Are My Sunshine."

Terri Gurak, a Bergen County resident and current Harmonicare attendee, suffers with COPD. Joining the class earlier this year, she picked up playing the harmonica rather quickly and finds herself playing regularly. "Having advanced COPD makes most of my favorite things difficult, if not impossible, to do," Gurak said, noting that even getting dressed can be a challenge. "My breathing difficulties have really narrowed the scope of my once very active life. The Harmonicare program has been a gift. Playing the harmonica forces me to breathe longer and deeper than I would normally and on days that I play I breathe easier and have more energy. The Harmonicare staff, the instructor and my fellow participants make Holy Name one of my favorite places to be. Plus, I'm learning to make music and having a blast doing it!"

One of the program's younger participants is 9-year-old Chloe Fernandez, who suffers from primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare genetic disorder that causes defects in the ciliary in the body, especially the lungs. Patients with PCD are prone to chronic lung infections due to the ciliary being unable to move mucus, bacteria, and other particles out of the lungs. Earlier this year, Fernandez wrote and published a children's book entitled: PCD Has Nothing on M, to help other kids living with childhood illnesses.

COPD is used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, as well as certain congenital conditions. Often, patients have symptoms of increased shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. The COPD Foundation estimates that 24 million Americans are affected by COPD and the disease often leads to many hospitalizations. Earlier this year, the COPD Foundation launched its Harmonicas for Health program encouraging centers to start harmonica programs.

Harmonica playing experience is not necessary to join the program. As long as you suffer from chronic lung disease, you can participate. The program is free and includes a harmonica, music, and support but space is limited. For more information on how to sign up,
please call 201-541-6338 or visit holyname.org/harmonicare.