By Elizabeth Pierdominici

By Elizabeth Pierdominici

STAFF WRITER

Music and laughter echoed throughout Hofstra USA on Monday where over 600 gathered to form the largest student choir to celebrate an encore presentation of “Songs of Love.”

John Beltzer, founder of Songs of Love Foundation, a nonprofit organization that writes and records personalized songs for children suffering from chronic or terminal illness, revisited the campus with a new song, but the same hope for one child, Joshua Jimenez.

 As the Jimenez family danced and sang, one would never know that little Joshua battled leukemia.

“I would like to applaud the efforts of John Beltzer and the foundation for bringing smiles to so many faces,” Annette Jimenez, Joshua’s mother, said. “Participating in this event and learning about other families and their struggles is refreshing because it makes me realize that we are not alone.”

A shy Joshua, who currently is in the maintenance phase of remission, nodded in enthusiastic agreement with his mother. Although he may not fully comprehend his illness, his parents feel that his song will be a constant reminder that many people care deeply about him.

Joshua is one of thousands of children who are conflicted with life a threatening disease. During a time of devastation for the families, Beltzer offers an uplifting reminder of hope.

“We have helped about 7,000 children and 250 hospitals around the nation with special songs that have never been duplicated,” Beltzer said. “It is great to be back at Hofstra to sing together for Josh and raise funds while we raise our voices.”

The foundation also raised awareness of life threatening diseases and the spirits of those whose loved one is suffering. The music messenger program gives students the opportunity to “deliver the medicine of music” by visiting families of children with an illness. The music messenger helps the family complete a profile about the child that will be transformed into a song of love.

 Rabbi Meir Mitelman has worked closely with Beltzer in the past to bring Songs of Love to the University. He equates the happiness the family receives to the happiness the community receives.

“There is such a spirit of caring during this extraordinary night that provides a sense of unity as people come together to sing in one voice,” Mitelman said.

 Beltzer considers his approach a “charitable art” and each song, a “double dose of music therapy.” The songs remind the children that they are special and loved. It is this quality that Beltzer claims help the children to heal mentally and emotionally.

“The song is an innovative and tangible way for the children to understand that there are many people care for them,” Alex Strum, junior film major, said.

 The event coincided with the commencement of Greek Week and will now be a tradition for Hillel, Student Government Association (SGA) and Greek life.

Andrew Pollak, a senior psychology major and president of Hillel, was excited by the turnout and the efforts of the students.

“Everyone involved is so selfless in giving their time and energy to such a positive and heartfelt cause,” Pollak said. He regarded each moment as a humbling experience.

 Elyssa Goldstein, sophomore music major and president of Sigmacapella, received a special token of appreciation from Joshua.

“He came up to me and handed me his lucky quarter,” Goldstein said. “I was surprised, but so honored to know that he appreciated me.”