December 19, 2003

Music man spreads holiday cheer

The Healing Arts Team brought in a special guest Dec. 12 to make the holidays brighter for patients from MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Vic Lalli (below left), known as "Mister Vic," presented an interactive holiday musical performance in the Ellison 17 playroom. The patients were encouraged to try out African drums, harmonicas and bells to assist Mister Vic in performing "Jingle Bells."

"Mister Vic was a great performer. He was able to engage the older kids on the floor as well as the younger ones," said Marilyn Gifford, an MGH child life specialist.

Mister Vic also performed outside of individual rooms on Ellison 17 and 18 and sang to patients who were unable to attend his playroom performance because of illness.

The Healing Arts Team is comprised of physicians, house staff, nurses and administrators - along with patients and families - who are using the healing power of the arts to bring hope and joy to pediatric patients and their families and caregivers.