Program Dedicated to Local Legend, "Safari Sam"
Pediatric patients receiving treatment for cancer will now be able to enjoy the healing power of music during their visits to Nemours Children’s Specialty Care thanks to a $12,000 grant that will launch the Kent Lindsey Music Therapy Program in honor and remembrance of Kent Lindsey, locally known as "Safari Sam."
Kent Lindsey was a beloved musician, actor and producer who spent 14 years hosting the children’s television program "Safari Sam" in Jacksonville. At age 61, Kent passed away after a three year battle with cancer. Friends of Kent Lindsey donated monies for his cancer treatment and when he passed, they donated the excess funds to continue Kent’s legacy through music.
Music Therapist Steven Amburn, MT-BC, is Board Certified in Music Therapy and has more than 1,200 hours of clinical training. He will be onsite at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care two days per week allowing patients opportunities to listen to music, play instruments and write music as forms of therapy.
Amburn believes that the effect of music on healing is powerful. "Music has a way of saying things that regular words never could," he said.
"It brings me, our family and friends great joy to help start a program that will help families and children fighting the battle against cancer in honor of Kent," says Pepper Lindsey, Kent Lindsey’s widow. "I’m so excited to continue Kent’s legacy through the power of music at Nemours."
The outpatient specialty care practice sees hundreds of children each year for treatment and follow up appointments in the Hematology/Oncology division. According to the According to the American Cancer Society, more than 10,000 kids under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year in the United States.
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