JoyRx was founded in Portland, OR!

Here are the programs available to you…

Group of seven people, including children and adults, outdoors in a wooded area, smiling for a photo.

  • Our highly-trained JoyRx Music Specialists provide music based on the child’s mood, energy level, abilities, and interests. A music specialist may stop by your hospital room, but feel free to let your child life specialist know if you would like music. Available Mondays and Wednesday at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Tuesdays and Thursdays at Randall Children’s hospital at Legacy Emanuel.

  • The only program of its kind in the nation, our trained, adult volunteers provide emotional support to children and to parents who endure the hardships of long hospital stays.

    Eligible to patients treated in Portland children's hospitals for cancer or a similar illness.

  • Nestled in 24 acres of woods and a serene lake, our Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin at the Oregon Coast provides provides children in treatment and their families with a place of peace (eligible to children ages 3-19 in OR and SW WA with a cancer diagnosis or terminal prognosis).

  • Our talented musicians would love to record a song for your child or teen through a personalized recording of your child’s favorite song! Eligible to pediatric patients of all ages. (Also available for siblings!)   

  • Each month JoyRx broadcasts a 45-minute livestream concert featuring interactive activities such as song requests concerts, SINGO, Music Trivia, and more!  

  • Set up a one-time or recurring virtual music session for your child or teen with a JoyRx Music Specialist. (Instrument lessons available for guitar, ukulele, piano, and voice) *Must have a device with video chat capabilities.

    Eligible to pediatric patients between the ages of 5 - 19 who are currently undergoing hospitalization or receiving treatment for a chronic medical condition or serious illness. 

  • Access music 24/7 on YouTube. See our JoyRx Kids Youtube channel here or our JoyRx Music channel for ages 13+ here.

  • The national resource guide for families and caregivers of children and teens with cancer includes helpful resources and information to help you during this healthcare journey. Download the pages here.

Treated outside of Portland, OR? Click here instead!
Pink line drawing of an acoustic guitar viewed at an angle.

We’re here for you

Navigating a serious illness can be overwhelming.
Our programs are always free of charge for you and your family.
Please see the eligibility requirements listed under each offering.

A young boy and a woman smiling and playing with colorful building tiles and toy fire truck in a playroom.

Meet our Music Specialists

  • Smiling woman with shoulder-length gray hair and earrings standing indoors with colorful sports equipment or murals in the background.

    Jean

    has a huge passion for music! She can usually be found dancing and singing while playing her ukulele. From Disney to Taylor Swift, she plays it all and can’t wait to sing your favorite songs.

  • A woman with long dark hair and glasses smiling, wearing a floral blazer and a white top, sitting at a wooden table with arms crossed.

    Cristina

    is a passionate music educator with extensive experience directing choirs and performing in both English and Spanish. Whether playing piano or singing everything from 2000s R&B to Selena, she infuses energy and joy into every song.

  • Young man smiling, wearing glasses, a gray beanie, and a yellow face mask pulled down, sitting in a hospital room holding an acoustic guitar. There are medical equipment and supplies on the wall behind him, and another smaller guitar is visible on the left.

    Alex

    is passionate about creating unique moments of reprieve for hospital staff and patients through immersive music experiences and technology, nature samples, and the harp.

  • A young man with dark hair and light skin smiling while sitting in a living room.

    Paul

    taught preschool for more than a decade before joining the JoyRx music team. He’s passionate about meeting kids and families where they’re at and learning what stirs their imagination.