Spring - flowers are in bloom and so is activity at Songs of Love! While we have seen some mild recovery from the economic downturn in 2009, donations are absolutely essential to continuing to progress and reach more children. This year, we expect to reach 1,500 children, only half as many as in 2009, but we hope to get it back to our usual 3,000 leads annual goal.

As we head into Summer, we plan to hit the ground running, but we can't do it without your help. This Spring, efforts have included our Annual Fab Faux benefit concert, the Montefiore Karaoke Night fundraiser and the Shut Up and Eat dinner event. Also, Songs of Love is coming up on an astounding milestone - we are about to reach our 21,000th song created for as many children! Please help us in our goal to create at least 21,000 more.

We know economic recovery has not been easy or quick and that everyone has been affected, so we're asking for your support at whatever level you can afford. There are many ways you can help, from a cash donation (https://songsoflove.org/store/donation/) to holding your own fundraiser. We're also asking for your support by linking to our page on your personal website, Facebook page, blogs, etc. For more information on ways to help, please visit http://www.songsoflove.org/donate. Also, you can become a Songs of Love fan on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/songsoflove). With your help, we can administer the Medicine of Music™ to more smiling children.

Six-year-old cancer patient Hannah Lowe received a Song of Love from Season 5 American Idol semi-finalist Ayla Brown. Hannah's song premiered on the CBS Early Show on April 15th, where Ayla Brown is the newest correspondent. Ayla is also the daughter of Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown. If you missed the touching segment, you can view it here. Hannah is from Lowell, MA and loves dancing, cooking, swimming and playing with her friends and her baby brother Evan.

Sandra Rose has gone above and beyond to bring the Medicine of Music™ and the light of hope to sick children as a Music Messenger™. Based in Southport, North Carolina, she became involved with Songs of Love in 2005 after her two grandchildren, Zach and Seth. received their very own ‘songs of love.’

Through her tireless efforts, Songs of Love has been able to reach thousands of children. Every month, Sandra sends profiles to Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida for children with life-threatening illnesses. Sandra is responsible for 1870 children (and counting!) receiving their very own ‘song of love.’ She has also held multiple fundraisers throughout her 5 years of service, and has helped to raise more than $2,000 for Songs of Love. We thank Sandra from the bottom of our hearts for her unyielding dedication and enthusiasm!

Christi and Andrew Bissell have been bringing their unique brand of rock to sick children for Songs of Love since 2007. Based in Nashville, the couple met in 2005 while playing for the rock band “Popular Genius.” The two began dating soon after, and about a year later, they were married. Christi studied Music at Belmont University and has played with a long roster of talent. Andrew has a degree in Music from Middle Tennessee State University and has had his songs recorded by major artists and has written and produced national jingles. Since starting with Songs of Love, Christi and Andrew have written songs for 400 children. We’d like to thank them both for their outstanding work and continuing to bring musical healing to children everywhere!

Congratulations to Rafael Galindo, winner of our Songs of Love Car Donation Raffle in January 2010! Chosen from 2,400 Songs of Love car donors who donated in 2009, Rafael was the recipient of a brand new 2010 Toyota Corolla (see video of the raffle here). The proceeds from his donated car helped fund more “songs of love” and reach more children!


If you would like more information on our car donation program, please click here.

On April 15th, 2010, we were thrilled to have American Idol season 5 semi-finalist Ayla Brown, who has agreed to be a spokesperson for the Songs of Love foundation, perform a ’song of love’ for 6-year-old Hannah Lowe on the CBS Early Show! If you missed it, you can download the song and video for a minimum donation of $5 each here.




On March 27th, 2010, we held our 3rd annual Fab Faux/Songs of Love benefit concert. Featuring the premier Beatles cover band the Fab Faux and and special guest Ken Dashow, preeminent classic rock DJ for Q104, the event was held at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ. The evening also featured an auction of two Epiphone Les Paul Junior guitars autographed by Jason Mraz and the live audience recording of a “song of love” for Amelia Scheffs-Bevington of Long Island City, New York. The concert drew 1,300 fans and raised over $20,000! A Special thanks to Songs of Love Advisory Board members Richard Lewis, Gary Rosen and Bruce Rothbard for organizing the event! Songs of Love will also be honoring Ken Dashow at a future event.








On March 3rd, 2010, Songs of Love held the first Karaoke Night fundraiser at Iggy’s New York Karaoke Lounge and Grill. Songs of Love founder John Beltzer kicked off the event with a speech and a spirited performance of The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling.” Thanks to the families, friends and songwriters who came out to support us! Also, a special thanks to Meghan Kelly, Amanda Hoskins and the rest of the child life staff at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore for making this event possible! And finally, a warm thanks to Iggy’s for their generous donation to Songs of Love.



On April 8th, 2010, Songs of Love was part of the the Care One at The Cupola fundraiser in Paramus, NJ, hosted by cast members of The Sopranos. Special thanks to Nick and Frank Vallelonga for inviting Songs of Love to the fundraiser. Vincent Pastore auctioned off several items for Songs of Love, including dinner with him, Tony Lip and Dan Grimaldi of The Sopranos (Pictured from left to right: Vincent Pastore, John Beltzer, Tony Lip).










Finally, we want to give a warm farewell to Jonathan Kosakow for his hard work and commitment to Songs of Love over the past 3 years. As Music Coordinator, Jonathan has been an indispensable part of the team as the final link in making sure children receive their very own “song of love”. We wish him luck in all his endeavors.

If you are close to a child coping with leukemia, we recommend Nancy Keene’s Childhood Leukemia – A Guide for Families, Friends & Caregivers, 4th Edition. Ms. Keene, herself the mother of a child with leukemia, wrote the book as a resource guide based on her family’s experiences during and after treatment. Written with the input and perspective of dozens of parents, children and medical professionals, this edition is updated and medically reviewed with the most accurate and up-to-date information, as well as support for families going through all stages of the disease. The book is unique in that it is as personal as it is practical. For more information, please visit www.childhoodcancerguides.org.