A 29-year-old woman named Samantha Keays found solace in music when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Seeking distraction and mental clarity, she decided to join a new choir called Healing Voices, designed for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Keays, who relocated to Saint John recently, felt isolated despite having her supportive partner, Christopher, due to his demanding work schedule.
The Healing Voices choir was initiated by Kelly Galbraith, a former CBC Music producer, who herself battled cancer. Galbraith found comfort in music during her cancer treatments and decided to start the choir to create a supportive community for individuals affected by cancer. The choir has attracted over 80 participants before the first rehearsal, offering a platform for shared experiences and emotional healing.
Participants like Heather Purcell, a member of another choir, Raise Your Voice, joined Healing Voices after learning about it from a fellow singer. Purcell, currently undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian and endometrial cancer, emphasized the importance of community support during challenging times. Similarly, Olivia Donovan, a caregiver to her husband with pancreatic cancer, joined the choir to connect with others in similar situations and find emotional release through singing.
The choir aims to provide a sense of camaraderie and emotional support through shared experiences and music. Galbraith selected songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Lean on Me,” and “That’s What Friends Are For” to convey the theme of friendship and solidarity. By creating a space for collective healing, the Healing Voices choir endeavors to uplift and empower its members on their cancer journey.
