University of Alabama at Birmingham
Institute for Arts in Medicine is creating a community choir for people impacted by cancer.
The choir is possible thanks to support from the Women’s Breast Health Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Science has demonstrated that singing is good for the mind, body and spirit, and the two organizations hope people in the UAB and Greater Birmingham community will join the fun.
If you are a cancer survivor, currently in treatment, a member of the health care community caring for individuals with cancer or have a loved one with cancer and would like to get involved, contact AIM’s Lauren Edwards at laurenme@uab.edu to join.
Information sessions for the choir are open to the public. Register for one or more sessions offered on the following dates if you would like to attend:
- Tuesday, May 4, 6 p.m. CT. Register.
- Wednesday, May 5, noon CT. Register.
- Saturday, May 8, 1 p.m. CT. Register.
The choir will start with virtual meetings until it is safe for groups to meet in person.
Inspired by “Sing with Us,” United Kingdom-based choirs for individuals faced with cancer, UAB’s AIM is working to begin a similar program in Jefferson County and then, moving forward, have sister choirs in the other counties. Weekly rehearsal will include uplifting songs, with no singing experience necessary. AIM also plans to offer occasional performances during the year.
Data has shown that members experience choirs as both an uplifting musical activity and a supportive community group. Participants expressed a feeling of self-worth and purpose from being a member of the choirs, as well as giving them an identity away from cancer. They also valued being with people who had been through, or were going through, similar experiences.