To Feel Like Myself Again: Vonara’s Story
This special blog was guest-written by Vonara, a JoyRx-served teen and incredible young person. It has been edited for clarity and grammar. From Vonara’s own words, this is her experience with JoyRx Music. When I was diagnosed with cancer, it felt like the world stopped spinning.
Everything I once enjoyed suddenly felt uncertain. Hospital corridors replaced school hallways, and treatment schedules took over my life. It was a rough time, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
But in the middle of that storm, JoyRx Music came into my life. One day, while I was undergoing chemotherapy, I met Mrs. Monica.
I had seen her before singing to other kids receiving treatment, but that day was the first time she came over and asked if she could sing for me. At first, I was unsure how to respond since I’m not an extrovert.
But I said yes and she sang “Love Story” by Taylor Swift just as I requested.
From that moment on, she would sing to me every time I came in for treatment. Her presence made me genuinely happy and helped me get through the long hours at the hospital.
Since Mrs. Monica always sang with guitar, I asked if she could teach me how to play. Of course, she agreed!
The next day, she brought me one of her spare guitars so I could practice. I was overjoyed and she began teaching me chords. I played her guitar during almost every appointment.
JoyRx Music Specialists Monica and Chrissy pose for the camera alongside Vonara!
A few days later, Mrs. Monica asked if I’d like to have a guitar of my own. I happily said yes! I had always wanted to learn an instrument, but never really pursued it.
Then, while I was still in the hospital, she surprised me with a brand new guitar!
I was beyond surprised and incredibly happy. Words couldn’t describe how I felt in that moment. Mrs. Monica even wrote out guitar notes by hand and gave them to me so I could continue practicing outside her visits.
That guitar made a huge difference. It became my escape.
On some days, even when I didn’t know how to play, I’d strum it just to drown out all the beeping sounds in the hospital. It brought me peace and joy during my hardest times.
Thanks to Mrs. Monica and JoyRx Music, I didn’t just receive a guitar, I received hope, creativity, and a way to feel like myself again.
They reminded me that healing isn’t just about medicine. It’s about the heart and mind, too, and the joy that music brings.
So, a big thank you to Mrs. Monica and JoyRx Music for the guitar and for helping me find light during a dark time.
Vonara, it’s truly our honor to work with you and to see you embrace the power of music to help you feel better. “This past year, I was incredibly grateful to share the gift of music with Vonara and her entire family — her mother, father, and sister. Together, we created lasting memories, enjoyed guitar lessons, and, with the support of our amazing teams in Austin and Portland, gifted her a guitar through the Free Guitars for Kids program.Vonara is a truly special girl, radiating a light that touches everyone she meets. I’m deeply inspired by her courage, resilience, and profound love for music.Thank you, Children’s Cancer Association, for the vital work you do. And a heartfelt thanks to all our partners and donors who help keep this mission alive. Because of you, we’re able to continue bringing moments of joy to incredible patients like Vonara.”— Monica Salas, JoyRx Music Specialist