While spending 10 months in the hospital before and after a liver and kidney transplant, Sam Carreon, 54, of Midlothian, Texas, found an unexpected source of healing: songwriting.

 

During his stay at Houston Methodist, Carreon worked closely with Donielle Montgomery, a board-certified music therapist, to write three original songs that captured his emotional journey. The sessions were part of the hospital’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine, the only center of its kind in the country, which integrates creative arts into patient care.

 

“I couldn’t wait for her to come in,” Carreon said. “That is what kept me going here in the hospital, thinking I have something to look forward to. I knew I would go home eventually, but when? But I know Donielle will be here next week, or she’s going to be here in a couple of days, so that is what I would look forward to.”

 

Carreon’s son recorded the songs at the hospital, turning the therapeutic experience into a family collaboration. After Carreon’s release, Montgomery organized an album release party at the hospital, inviting the staff who cared for him to celebrate his journey. His son performed the songs live, and Carreon was presented with a custom-designed album cover created by patients in the hospital’s art therapy program.

 

“The music really helps out,” Carreon said. “It really brings things together. You can talk about depression, anxiety and sadness, and the music lets you release your thoughts. It’s like therapy.”

 

Montgomery witnessed a transformation in Carreon as the sessions progressed.

 

“As we continued to work together, he began to open up more; his demeanor changed,” she said. “He was proud to create something tangible that he could take with him. He was telling nurses, physicians—anyone who would listen—about the songs. He had something to show for it.”

 

Like Carreon, Montgomery believes music is a powerful tool for healing.

 

“Music is a universal language that allows for connection in many ways,” she said. “And I believe that music is medicine, just as much as some of the medications our patients take here.”

 

Interviews with Sam Carreon, his son Sammy Carreon, music therapist Donielle Montgomery, and comments from transplant surgeon Dr. Constance Mobley are available for download via Dropbox, along with a clip of b-roll and a clip of a song performance.

 

Media interested in accessing the clips, speaking with Sam Carreon, or requesting more information, may contact Daniel Brown, Public Relations Program Manager at Houston Methodist, at 346.548.0923.

 

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