Meruelo Group Makes Lasting Impact through Music for Patients at MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach

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The unique music party was part of the Bear Hugs Toy Drive donation, an event launched by Liset Meruelo, wife of prominent Cuban-American businessman Alex Meruelo, of the Meruelo Group. Now in its 20^th year, Bear Hugs Toy Drive delivers hundreds of bears and stuffed animals to patients at Miller Children's & Women's.

This year, Liset was joined by prominent Los Angeles radio personalities J Cruz, Jeff Garcia, DJ E-Man and Cece The Mamacita, as well as Star Wars and Frozen characters, like Elsa and Anna whose voices filled the halls with holiday cheer.  

Throughout the holiday season, Meruelo Group employees, families and friends, including Meruelo Group companies POWER 106 and KDAY 93.5, gather donations.

"The small donation of a plush toy provides these children and their families with a moment of happiness and smiles," says Liset Meruelo. "As a parent, you'd want to look forward to anything that can get your child's mind off their illness and treatments and just be a kid during the holidays."

Liset and Alex Meruelo are longtime supporters of Miller Children's & Women's. In addition to bringing a day of holiday fun and music to patients, the Meruelo's donated $20,000 to support the Music Therapy Program at Miller Children's & Women's.

This is their third donation to the Music Therapy Program. Their donation in 2016 helped expand the Music Therapy Program, including the addition of recording software, which has allowed patients the opportunity to record their own music.

"Music is often the only way that our patients feel comfortable expressing themselves," says Andrea Chattler, music therapist, Miller Children's & Women's. "Being able to have them go through the process of writing down their feelings, recording, mixing and editing their own songs is therapeutic. It gives many of our patients an outlet to address feelings about their illness."

The Music Therapy Program is part of the Child Life Program at Miller Children's & Women's, which was developed to help make the hospital experience more positive for children.

"The Bear Hugs Toy Drive is a great way to bring our patients comfort and the opportunity to forget their illness for one day, but through their generous donation, we will be able to provide support to our patients well beyond the event," says Rita Goshert, manager, Child Life Program.  

The Meruelo family, and its companies, are continuing to raise funds for the Music Therapy Program throughout the remainder of the year. Donations can be made by visiting: https://www.youcaring.com/millerchildrenswomenshospitallongbeach-1029711

SOURCE MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach