Sophie’s Place Opens at Cardon Children’s Medical Center
More than 100 people gathered last week in the Forever Young Zone at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa to celebrate the grand opening of Sophie’s Place. The space is dedicated to music therapy at the pediatric hospital. Physicians, nurses, music therapists, child-life specialists, donors, Banner leaders, staff and volunteers were on hand for the occasion.
Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Steve Young and his wife, Barbara, emceed the program. Their Forever Young Foundation partnered with Banner Health to bring Sophie’s Place to Cardon Children’s. This is the third Sophie’s Place built at a children’s hospital. The other two are in Salt Lake City and Sacramento.
Barbara and Steve Young of the Forever Young Foundation emceed the event.
Sophie’s Place is a state-of-the-art, dedicated space for music therapists to offer group and private music-therapy sessions to young patients. With real guitars on the walls and mural images of Sophie Barton, its namesake, the space includes a recording studio, listening area and practice areas, creating a trendy coffee-shop feel. The design was based on input from pediatric patients.
The guitar wall
Funding for the project came from money raised through the Stars of the Season gala and the work of many volunteers. Additional funds were raised by the Banner Health Foundation through The Pulse of the City Soiree and individual and corporate gifts.
Sophie Barton was a budding singer and songwriter who volunteered her time playing music for sick children before she died suddenly from a heart condition at age 17. The project was started to honor her life, love of music and giving spirit, and to help children through music. Sophie’s parents, Anne-Marie and Kent Barton, as well as her siblings and other family members, were on hand to thank supporters and commemorate the special occasion.
Anne-Marie and Kent Barton, parents of Sophie Barton, the namesake of Sophie’s Place
“When Sophie would get excited about things, her entire life, she would say ‘my legs are tickling,’“ says Anne-Marie. “So I know that Sophie’s legs are tickling right now.”
Two of Sophie’s siblings, Tessa and Luke, both musicians, entertained the crowd with an emotional performance of the song “Walk With Me,” the last of about 50 songs Sophie and Tessa wrote together before her passing.
Luke and Tessa Barton perform for patients and guests.
Barbara and Steve Young, along with members of the Barton family, Will Cardon, Banner Children’s CEO Justin Bradshaw and Banner Desert Medical Center CEO Laura Robertson, cut the ribbon.
PHOTOS COURTESY BANNER HEALTH FOUNDATION
