Meet Carmelo, who participates in the Music & Memory program at the Cobble Hill Health Center in Brooklyn, New York. Carmelo is proud of his Italian heritage and never misses an opportunity to share a funny joke. He loves music of various genres but is especially fond of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and Enrico Caruso, just to name a few. Listening to familiar music transports him to a place where he is less restless and emotional. He may struggle to recall the location of his room and sometimes become frustrated trying to organize his thoughts but Carmelo beams with happiness when songs like ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra or ‘Love’ by Nat King Cole begin to play. His joy is contagious as he sings the words in his beautiful tenor voice.

Carmelo also enjoys sharing stories about his youth when listening to music. He recalls standing on many audition lines as a teen waiting for the opportunity to showcase his vocal talent.  During one listening session he shared about auditioning for the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, explaining “I’ve always loved to sing, ALWAYS. Music makes me feel good”.

Thanks to generous donors and supporters, the lives of Carmelo and seniors just like him benefit from being a part of the Music & Memory program.  They’ve all been able to:

• Receive a music playlist loaded with favorite music
• Enjoy countless hours of personal engagement
• Find joy and renewed connection with others

These individuals benefit every day from having access to their favorite music.  It enhances their quality of life, restores their sense of identity and connection to others, and provides a foundation for having as much comfort, pleasure, meaning and well-being in their days as possible.

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If you can, please donate to support our work to bring personalized music playlists to seniors living with dementia and other types of physical and cognitive loss.

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