"Classical music is proven to be therapeutic," says Dr. George. "It helps lower stress and blood pressure. Particular sounds, tones, and rhythms can strengthen the mind, unlock the creative spirit, and even contribute to the healing of the body."

     Dr. George has also been host to combined piano concerts and healthy dinner parties at the Medical Center. "On those occasions, we hire a pianist to play relaxing background music on the Disklavier," he says.

Turning
Dreams
Into Reality

ale Piano, Inc. of Coral Gables, FL recently fulfilled the wish of a young sickle cell disease patient named Michael, by donating a Yamaha M450 console piano through the Make A Wish Foundation of South Florida. The Foundation is dedicated to granting the special wishes of children under the age of 18 who have terminal or life threatening illnesses. Fulfilling a "wish" offers both patient and family a welcome respite from the stresses and strains of dealing with a serious illness.

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     Dawn Wilson, Make A Wish Foundation of South Florida's director of marketing, contacted Manny Perez of Hale Piano, Inc. about possibly donating a piano to nine year old Michael. Perez then put her in touch with owner Chuck Hale. "Mr. Hale was immediately receptive to the idea, and asked me to forward him information right away," says Wilson. Delivery arrangements of the piano were coordinated, and a delighted Michael received his new piano. Both Michael and his older sister are benefiting from his wish-she also suffers from sickle cell disease-and are enrolled in piano lessons. "Michael is still on cloud nine after receiving his beautiful piano," says Director of Wish Granting, Joan Fenwick.

     "Since the Foundation relies only on the generosity of the public and companies like Hale Piano, donations such as this are critical to fulfilling these children's wishes. The South Florida chapter will grant over 400 wishes this year alone. We have never not granted a wish," says Wilson.

     Perez says that Hale Piano was happy to help with granting Michael's wish. "There are several organizations that Hale Piano helps out in South Florida, including Abilities of Florida, an organization that gives wishes to people with handicaps."

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