"Thank You" Letters - January 31st, 2011

As we close out the first month of the year, we are reminded once again just how quickly time goes by. We are starting the new year a bit slower than anticipated, so we really need your help to keep going and to keep bringing beautiful music to children suffering from life-threatening illness. A car donation, a cash donation, a donation by credit card through our secure website - whatever you can do and whatever you can afford will all go toward keeping the hope alive! We may work in a small office, but our organization is huge, because it includes people like you and all of the children we serve every day! Just read the thank you letter below and others on this blog and you'll see evidence of the joy and relief these songs bring to the young victims of illnesses such as cancer, cerebral palsy, autism, etc. We hope you are as touched by these letters as we are. To think, something as simple as a car donation can make a world of difference! To our supporters, we say, "Thank you!"




Dear Songs of Love~
 
We received Skylar's CD on her birthday. What a wonderful birthday present! We were able to share her song with our friends and family who were there to celebrate Skylar's birthday. As we played her song, everyone was smiling and crying tears of joy, and amazed at how Skylar's song captured her spirit.
 
We wanted to thank you so much for doing this for our family. We listen to the song all the time and Skylar just lights up and dances. You have brought a happiness into our lives at a time when we need all the happiness we can get.
 
I've attached pictures of our precious Skylar. You can see how happy her CD makes her feel.
 
A special thanks to Danny Obadia, who wrote the words, music and sang the vocals of this awesome song. We really enjoy the reggae rhythm and beats! It makes it fun for everyone to dance to. You are definitely blessed by a talent and we thank you for sharing your gift with our family.  
 
We appreciate every ounce of your support!
 
Love,
 
Julie, Dann, Skylar and Owen Hansen

"Thank You" Letters - January 28th, 2011

We would like to end the week the way we began it - on a bright note! We'd like to thank all of you who have made a cash or car donation or who have supported us by spreading the word about our mission of music. Our gratitude is profound. Today, we share yet another thank you letter from a family who received a song for their child. It shows how much comfort and peace the song brings into their child's life. We do what we do for this reason and with each letter, we have further conformation that we're having this positive affect on so many sick children. Donating a car does so much to help make these hopes and goals a reality - the more support we have and the more cars donated to our program, the more children we are able to provide personalized songs.

Please take time to read today's letter and let us know what you think about any of these letters. We hope they warm your heart during this cold and snowy winter. Enjoy!



Hi everyone at Songs of Love--
Our family just received our daughter, Isa's, song of love today in the mail and I must say there were lots of tears all around! We were so completely touched by the song! Please tell Eugene Ruffalo how very much we enjoyed his amazing song! We especially liked the way he correctly pronounced all of the kids names correctly, especially our last name, Mireles! Our daughter, Isa is two and a half, so she doesn't really know what's going on all around her, but receiving such a lovely gift as we did today makes our journey that much easier. Isa has leukemia (ALL) and her prognosis is really good (she is a rapid responder, low risk patient) so we know she will enjoy this song for many, many years to come. Thank you to all of you at Songs of Love. What a wonderful organization. Again, please tell Mr. Ruffalo how touched and honored that he wrote such a beautiful song (and we love that Latin flavor!) Sincerely, The Mireles Family, Rene, Jessica Nora, Leah, Nino and our little angel, Isa

"Thank You" Letters - January 27th, 2011

It's another snow day here in New York! If you feel like driving is a drag in this weather, maybe it's time to donate your car and head to public transportation. Or maybe you're old car just isn't up to the task of dealing with the the piles of snow and it's time for an upgrade? If that's the case, you can donate your old car when your ready. As you know, your car donation goes such a long way in helping us make a difference in the lives of the many children we reach with our songs. Every song takes about $250 to write, produce, package and send out. Please consider Songs of Love if you are considering getting rid of your automobile. If you have questions about how to go about donating your car, please contact us and we'll be absolutely happy to give you all of the information you need. Take a look at today's thank you letter and you'll see what your donation goes toward. The smiles are priceless and we still need your help, now more than ever, to make those smiles possible.

Today's letter comes from a family who saw the immediate positive impact the music had on their child, AJ. We hope this letter touches your heart the way it touched ours! Your car donation and continued support have made moments like this possible!




Songs of Love,
Thank You so much for the perfect song for AJ!!!!
When we recieved AJ's song in the mail, he was not wanting to do his typical activities and would not respond to us in his usual way. So when we asked if he wanted to listen to hid cd he had no response. In other words, "leave me alone right now, I don't want to do anything". Well, we played his song anyway (we were excited to hear it), and he started dancing and responding with a non-verbal "yes" when asked if he wanted to listen to his cd again (and again, and again....)!!!!
Stacy & Rick DeLima you are amazing!! I hope you continue to share your talents with others. Great Job!!
Know each of you are treasures!!!!! 
God Bless You!
 
Have an amazing day!
Mike, Loree, AJ, Elisabeth & Katharine Patnode

Car Donation!

Here at Songs of Love, we want to let you know that if you have a car donation, we can accept it from anywhere in the nation. That's right - anywhere! We want to make it easier for you to donate your car, as we're so happy and grateful to be able to receive such a gift from generous donors. If you have a car to donate, please contact us and we'll help you. Your donation goes a long way in helping us keep operating and continue getting healing music to children who are dealing with disease and chronic illness. If you would like more information on how your donation helps in so many ways, please take a look at our main website for further details or reach us at our offices.

Our car donation program was started as a way to support and underwrite the songs we create everyday to aide in the healing process for sick children. Since 1996, we have been able to reach almost 22,000 children and Songs of Love hopes to reach 22,000 more in the upcoming years. A car donation is more than simple giving a car - it's giving several songs to children who are coping with cancer, autism, etc. Please consider donating your car today!

Car Donation

We would like to give a shout out to the car donation program and other programs like it that legitimate non-profits around the nation are utilizing to keep making a difference in the lives of people in need. Nationwide, our program goes to underwrite costs. A car donation goes a long way, not only for the charity or non-profit, but also for you, as you can be eligible for a tax-deduction, so be sure to do your homework when deciding to donate a car so you make the most out of your donation.

In this space, we bring you news of the work being done and change being made thanks to your donation dollars. It doesn't matter where in the United States you are located - we can accept donations from anywhere and we can work with you to make it not only a charitable donation, but also a convenient one. We understand that your schedule and your location shouldn't be an impediment to making contributions to those in need nor to your tax-deductions. Contact us and we'll do what we can to make the process simple.

We also typically bring you thank you notes from the kids and families who have received songs from us. Donating a car is donating to the children. Please consider helping.

A big 'Thank You' from Songs of Love!!!

"Thank You" Letters - January 25th, 2011

Today, we'll take a look at a thank you letter that reminds us of why we do what we do every day!. Everyday, we're working hard to keep getting donations, whether they be car donation or donations of time or money, so we can continue to bring joy and smiles to these children who are bravely battling chronic or terminal illness. Together, we can make big changes in the lives of these kids. We hope these letters really illustrate why what we're doing is important and how much of a difference it truly makes. If you have the ability and opportunity to donate, please do. This is the only way we survive as an organization. Something as simple as donating a car - it can make a positive change in the life of a small patient!




To Whom It May Concern;

My name is Keri Messina I am the mother of Nicholas Messina whom you wrote such a beautiful song for. Nicholas was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia when he had just turned 2 and now is three almost four. Nick will complete his treatment in August of '07.

The way that CD makes my son feel when it is played for him cannot be expressed in words. It has put a smile on his face when he has felt miserable. I must also say it makes my two girls feel great also as they are included in the song. The siblings of a sick child are affected so much that it is so important that they feel a part of everything.

You put a smile on all of our faces and music in hearts and our minds at ease for minutes when we listen and dance to his song. You are amazing and that isn't saying enough. You have given a gift to us that I could never repay but I hope you feel the warmth in my heart and know you have made a difference in our lives.

Thank you ever so much.

Keri A. Messina

"Thank You" Letters - January 21st, 2011

We'd like to end the week with something special from the thank you letter vault! 2011 marks 15 years for Songs of Love - 15 years of bringing the Medicine of Music to so many children with the help of your car donations, cash donations and word of mouth. In just a few weeks, we'll also be reaching and celebrating our 22,000th song! Help us keep bringing joy and comfort into the lives of the many children out there who are dealing with chronic or terminal illness. If you can't make a donation today, but know someone else who might be able to (a car donation, cash donation, anything), please spread the word and let them know about our mission. As we've said countless times, we can't do it without you. People like you can make such a difference in these children's lives.






You recently fulfilled a request for a song for my son, Hunter Johnson.  He has received such a list of discouraging news lately (having to leave school which he loves, going for a bone marrow transplant soon, having surgery, etc).  When we received his song and put it on for him to listen to, he smiled for this first time in a long time.  He just couldn't help but smile.  He had me re-play it 4-5 times in that first sitting.  He has learned to love music and to hear his life in song was truely a gift.  I am attaching the photo I took of his uncontainable smile the first time he heard his song.  I think it says it all...pure joy.  Thank you again to everyone involved in producing this smile on his face.  We will take it to the hospital for his transplant and use it to cheer him up during the tough times.
Sincerely,
Heather Johnson, mom to Hunter (9)
Colorado Springs, CO

"Thank You" Letters - January 20th, 2011

Ready for another snowstorm? Here at the Songs of Love offices, we're preparing for yet another snow extravaganza! In the meantime, we have more letters for more children who have received their very own song from us. What we would like more than anything else in the new year is to receive more thank you letters, and there's really only way to do that - that is, we need to get more songs out to more sick children! You can help us in our mission in a few ways - you can participate in our car donation program and spread the word about our program to anyone you know who is looking to donate a car. You can also donate by cash or credit at our secure website. You can also start your own FirstGiving fundraising website by using the link on our page! As we've said before in this space, a car donation can go such a long way in getting songs to even more children out there who are dealing with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Please take some time today to help us help them.

And on to today's letter of the day!





Hi John
 
Sophie will be sending a big thank you card and note for her wonderful song that you sent her a few weeks ago hopefully very soon.  Please see attached photo.  At the time she received this we were in and out of hospital and this really picked up her spirits she was over the moon with it and it was great to see such a huge smile on her face.  She has entertained many a friends and family with her song and shows.  She is a remarkable little girl never complaining whatever life throws at her and enjoys life to the full and being her mum (I know I am biased) she deserves this song it is so special to her and she loves it!!!!!  She even took it into school to do her show and tell with!!!!
 
A HUGE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
 
This is something that Sophie will always treasure.
 
 
Thanks
 
Debbie Ryan
SHOW PRESENTATION SERVICES

"Thank You" Letters - January 18th, 2011

Did you know that today is deemed "the most depressing day of the year" according to some studies? We hope that's not true, but if today is bringing you down, we might have a solution. Some studies also suggest that doing something good for someone else and brightening another person's day brings joy and a sense of well-being into your life. Why not donate a car or make a cash donation today so that we may continue to write personalized songs for sick children all over the world? Any amount will do - every bit goes towards the $250 cost per song. If you need evidence of the impact of the songs, you need look no further than the thank you letter below! We want to continue bringing smiles to these young, brave children. So get rid of the winter blahs and make a car donation or a monetary donation today!




Dear Will-
Just wanted to let you know that we received Evan's "Song of Love" today.  We LOVED it!!!  We played it several times and Evan cracked a little smile every time it got to the part about nitrous and turbo boost.  "Play it again, mom".  We even copied it to his little MP3 player for him.  He really did love it!  You nailed it with those lyrics.  It's almost as if you knew Evan personally.
 
Thank you so much for taking the time to do such a wonderful and meaningful thing for Evan.  You are so generous to have shared your time and talent with us.  It truly was a thoughtful thing you did and we will cherish it forever!  
 
If your band is ever in Ocean City again, I hope to look you up, see you play, and thank you personally.
 
 
Thanks again,
Kim Nickle  (Evan's Mom)

"Thank You" Letters - January 13th, 2011

As our regular readers know, every week, we get thank you letters in the mail and via email from families and the children who have been recipients of their very own song of love. As we are only able to continue doing this, bringing songs to kids through our car donation program and other donations, we continue to share with all of you some of the letters we have received as a note of gratitude to our donors and cheerleaders out there. You can get more information regarding donating your car or vehicle and assisting us in our mission to make a difference in the life of a sick young person by going to our website and clicking on the car donation link!

And now for today's letter!




Hi everyone at Songs of Love--
Our family just received our daughter, Isa's, song of love today in the mail and I must say there were lots of tears all around! We were so completely touched by the song! Please tell Eugene Ruffalo how very much we enjoyed his amazing song! We especially liked the way he correctly pronounced all of the kids names correctly, especially our last name, Mireles! Our daughter, Isa is two and a half, so she doesn't really know what's going on all around her, but receiving such a lovely gift as we did today makes our journey that much easier. Isa has leukemia (ALL) and her prognosis is really good (she is a rapid responder, low risk patient) so we know she will enjoy this song for many, many years to come. Thank you to all of you at Songs of Love. What a wonderful organization. Again, please tell Mr. Ruffalo how touched and honored that he wrote such a beautiful song (and we love that Latin flavor!) Sincerely, The Mireles Family, Rene, Jessica Nora, Leah, Nino and our little angel, Isa

"Thank You" Letters - January 12th, 2011

If you're in the United States, then there's a huge probability this week that your town is covered with snow! Are you tired of the hassle of digging your car out of piles of snow several times each year? Or do you perhaps have an older car and it's time to get something with more power to handle the yearly snow headache? Consider donating your car to Songs of Love! By doing so, you'll reap the tax rewards through a deduction when tax time comes around. By using our car donation program, you'll have a hand in helping us keep writing songs and bringing music to chronically and terminally ill children throughout the United States and throughout the world. Whether you live in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Detroit or anywhere else, you can donate! Take a look at what your donation makes possible with the thank you letter of the day!






Dear William Sherry and the Songs of Love Foundation,
My name is Dianna Minikus, the mother of six year old Jared.  Jared has AML Leukemia and has received a song of love from you.  I want to make sure that you realize what a wonderful job you did on it.  For only going by an information sheet you were able to target Jared's personality perfect.  Jared LOVES his song.  He has been so proud to share it with everyone that will listen.  His teachers, doctors, nurses, and his family.  The first time that his two grandpas heard it, it brought tears to both their eyes.  They were very proud that you included them in his song. Jared's favorite part is about his dog Charlie.  I can not express enough how wonderful it is.

Jared is currently in the hospital again with fever and illness.  He just finished his final round of treatment last week.  We are praying for remission at this time.  He doesn't feel the best so he just finished listening to his song again.  It brings a smile to his face  even now.  I would like to get a picture of Jared to you in the future. ( I am not very good on the computer yet )  I would be willing to send one if I could get the correct address.  We would also like to do some type of fundraising for your foundation in the future as well.  So, please don't think that we have forgotten what you have done for us and our son.  It is amazing!  Thank you so much for the time, effort, and sincerity that you put into it.  God bless you.
Sincerely,
Dianna :0)

"Thank You" Letters - January 10th, 2011

The new year is in full swing and we're excited about the prospects in the new year. We're still climbing back after taking a hit from the economy in 2009 and 2010, so we're asking for your donations, as well as your suggestions for new ways to raise funds. As you know from our site, we have a car donation program, as well as our "Raising Funds, Raising Voices" program. Our ultimate goal is to keep doing what we're doing - bringing the healing power of music to sick kids all over the world - for many years to come. We bring these thank you letters to you each week to remind you of the recipients of our songs and of your generous donations. It's really astounding that something as simple as donating a car could have such an impact on the lives of one or many sick children. Please take some time to read all of the letters we've posted to really see how much of a difference you are helping us make. And now, our letter of the day!



**********************************************************
Hi my name is Yolanda Chenier, back in 2006-7 not sure my daughter YELEA BUENO received a song. things in my life were, well, let's just say i never got to taking her picture with her CD and her thank you letter and, well, through the yrs somehow i can't find the mail that came when u first sent her the CD and well she has had a very hard life besides her illness or the fact that she beat the odds and is now a survivor 7 yrs in remissinon of a a vary rare and fatal disease (HLH) Hemophagocytic Lympho Histiocytosis. She is 10 now and when she got her CD she was 6-7 i believe probably heard it non-stop for the first yr and slowly it got put away to keep it safe and well i just reacently i found it and well this yr has been really hard on her emotionally lets just say her biological dad not there and only father she had from 3-9 is no longer in her life not as active and well i put her CD on and words cannot put enough appreaction gratitude or express how amazing it was to see how happyshe looked and so loved when she listened to her song as she sang the words its like all the hurt she feels was not there as she sang along even though it mentions both dads in it and other things that she use to like but its like it just brought her so much joy and well as a mother i ofcourse thougght my poor baby but like her song sa Y-E-L-E-A BUENO BRIGHTNESS UP OUR DAY WITH A TWINKLE IN HER EYE AND THAT SMILE ON HER FACE SHE MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE! and it is so true so thank you  to all at song of love her song is very very special to her and im so glad that this song will help know that she is just as special if i could still send the pic and a lette from her im sure sh can writte a great thank at 10 to what her song means to her then writtting it at 7 THANK YOU ALL AGAIN AT SONGS OF LOVE THANK YOU!!!!!
                                                                                                      GREATFUL MOTHER

"Thank You" Letters - January 5th, 2011

New year, new goals! Here at Songs of Love, we're hitting the ground running with new endeavors to keep our organization afloat and to keep achieving our constant, ultimate goal - getting songs to children who are chronically or terminally ill throughout the United States and the world. With projects like our car donation program, our "Raising Funds, Raising Voices" program and our regular fundraising efforts, we have been able to keep operating and funding the $250 cost of producing each song. Every song is personalized and unique to each child, bringing joy and comfort at one of the most difficult and trying times in their lives. The song also brings joy to the families of these brave young children. Who knew doing something as simple as donating a car or a few dollars could have such an impact? In order to make it through this year, we need your continued support. Please consider donating today. If you are still debating it, take a look at today's thank you letter to see the impact of these songs in the words of a family who have had their child receive a song.





WOW!  Andrew's song did arrive and it is wonderful.   Andrew lives with type 1 diabetes and has done so since he was 18 months old (he is now 10).  Regardless of our attempts to help him get through life as a typical child ~ it is always hanging over his head.  Through the course of this, even at his tender age, he is dealing with depression and some other mental health issues.  When he heard his song, he had the biggest smile that I've seen him have in a while. 
 
It is obvious that Drew does not live with the same devastating illnesses that so many of the children that you sing for do, but as his mom, I really must express my heartfelt gratitude for the time that you took to do this. 
 
I can't thank you enough for all you do for these children!  Your group of talented artists are amazing people. 
 
Sincerely,
Heather Hancock

Songs of Love" Plays in Puerto Rico!

Songs of Love founder John Beltzer leads some of the residents of St. Germain, Puerto Rico, as they sing on the "song of love" for Carolina Torres.

Britney Vargas, a "songs of love" recipient herself, was so moved after she received her "song of love" back in 2008, that she decided to bring Songs of Love into her home town of Puerto Rico. For the past year she got busy organizing an online fundraiser through the Firstgiving program and raised over $4,000 for the Songs of Love Foundation! Britney then proceeded to organize an event in her home town of St. Germain and raised an additional $3,000! Songs of Love founder, John Beltzer, was invited to join the event at the St. Germain convention center and engaged the guests in the live recording of a "song of love" for 5-year-old cerebral palsy patient Carolina Torres.
(Listen to the song below.)

"Carolina Torres"

Pictured left to right: Fundraiser organizer Britney Vargas, Carolina Torres and John Beltzer.

This is the first official "song of love" in Puerto Rico and will be the first of many as Britney and family will be instrumental in helping the Song of Love Foundation deliver many more "songs of Love" to the children of Puerto Rico. The Songs of Love Foundation thanks Britney and the entire Vargas family for their support and wonderful hospitality!

The stage at the St. Germain, Puerto Rico, convention center is set with signs welcoming Song of Love and Britney Vargas as the Sponsor of the first "song of love" in Puerto Rico!

"Thank You" Letters - January 4th, 2011

Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2011? Here at Songs of Love, our resolution is to bring the Medicine of Music to even more children and to make it to 2012! Yes, times are still hard and we need your support, from your car donation to your volunteer time to keep doing what we're doing. As with any resolution, you have to make plans and take steps to reach your ultimate goal. What are your goals for 2011 and how will you get there? Ultimately, our goal is to keep the smiles on the many children we reach and to create more songs and wonderful moments for families. Who knew something as simple as donating a car could bring such happy memories and moments as the ones mentioned in the thank you letter we receive?! Take a look at the one below - let's keep bringing this kind of magic this year and in the years to come!







Hi John
 
Sophie will be sending a big thank you card and note for her wonderful song that you sent her a few weeks ago hopefully very soon.  Please see attached photo.  At the time she received this we were in and out of hospital and this really picked up her spirits she was over the moon with it and it was great to see such a huge smile on her face.  She has entertained many a friends and family with her song and shows.  She is a remarkable little girl never complaining whatever life throws at her and enjoys life to the full and being her mum (I know I am biased) she deserves this song it is so special to her and she loves it!!!!!  She even took it into school to do her show and tell with!!!!
 
A HUGE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
 
This is something that Sophie will always treasure.
 
 
Thanks
 
Debbie Ryan

"Thank You" Letters - January 3rd, 2011

Happy New Year! The Songs of Love family hopes 2011 is off to an auspicious start for everyone. We want to continue to make life a little brighter for sick children, but we need your help to make their year a great one! If you are interested in car donation, please contact us at our website. You can also give back by making a cash or credit donation at our website. Even a small donation helps us to continue doing positive work for children all over the world. A donated car, a few dollars or even starting a FirstGiving fundraising page goes such a long way in funding more songs. The proof of the impact is in the letters we receive every day saying thank you. As we've said before in this space, the thank you's belong as much to you as to us, because what we do would not be possible without your support.





Dear Steve Schuffert and the everyone at Songs of Love :
 
When we received Josephs Song he was sitting in his chair and had been quiet most of the day. when I put on his Special Song I have rarely seen Joes face light up in such a way. He started to clap his hands and  continually laugh through the entire song. When it ended his face became sad until I played it again and he was so happy
Joe is non verbal and cannot walk independently but this song has brought so much Joy and Happiness to Joe and all of us in his family .
thank you for your love
Chris , Diane and Joseph Pierce