Texas Music Project Celebrates a Milestone with 24 Karat Country Music Release Party and Music Heals Day in Texas
Texas Music Project (TMP) recently celebrated an incredible milestone in its journey to bring the healing power of music to children across Texas. In a series of heartwarming events, TMP Ambassador Laura Linda led a successful 24 Karat Country Music Release Party that raised over $5,000 to fulfill the music therapy wishlist for Methodist Children’s Hospital. The weekend, filled with memorable moments and a powerful sense of community, highlighted TMP’s mission to provide hope and healing through music.
The celebration kicked off with a press conference led by publicist Desiree Serna, where TMP’s Program Director, Jenni Cifuentes, joined the panel to emphasize the transformative impact of music therapy. During the conference, Texas Senator José Menéndez presented an official Texas Resolution, declaring October 12 as Music Heals Day in Texas, acknowledging the powerful role music plays in fostering healing, community, and joy. This declaration is a meaningful step toward TMP’s vision of establishing Music Heals Day as an annual statewide observance.
Later that evening, guests gathered for a VIP Red Carpet Reception where Laura Linda performed her new single, “Honey Boy, Honey Girl,” setting the stage for an evening celebration. TMP was also honored to receive a Texas Music Project Day resolution, presented by State Representative John Lujan, underscoring the organization’s efforts in making a positive difference through music. Among the guests was Emily Metcalf, a representative of the Methodist Children’s Hospital Music Therapy program. The evening’s events resonated deeply with her and her team, who have witnessed firsthand the healing effects that music can have on their young patients. But perhaps the most moving part of the evening was the heartfelt testimony from Leticia Mondragon.
Leticia shared the story of Bella, a little girl from Laredo, TX, who at only seven months old was diagnosed with leukemia. Due to the lack of specialized medical facilities in Laredo, Bella was transferred to Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, where she would fight her battle with cancer not once, but four times. Bella’s spirit shone through her love for music and dancing—a love that was fostered by the hospital’s music therapy program. Leticia, who had the privilege of working closely with Bella, spoke about how music therapy brought moments of joy and peace to Bella during the most challenging times. Sadly, at just two years and four months, Bella gained her angel wings. But her memory lives on, a reminder of how even in the hardest times, music brought light into her life and her family’s.
This touching story underscored the profound impact that music therapy has on young patients and their families, turning the event into a power
ful tribute to the lives touched by TMP’s mission. Bella’s story is a testament to the resilience of young patients and the invaluable comfort that music can bring during difficult journeys.
Less then a month later board member Peyton Prince delivers a collection of instruments and materials to Methodist Children’s Hospital, fulfilling the hospital’s wishlist. The hospital later sent TMP a heartfelt note of appreciation:
“Dear Texas Music Project, Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness! We have been overwhelmed by your support, and the donated instruments and materials are already being enjoyed! We look forward to the opportunities we have to make a difference in the lives of our kiddos – and now we have more resources to do just that! Thank you, MCH Music Therapy.”
The 24 Karat Country Music Release Party was not only a financial success but also a profound celebration of community, resilience, and the healing power of music. TMP extends its deepest gratitude to Laura Linda and her team for their unwavering support and dedication. Laura Linda, recently recognized as a Texas Yellow Rose honoree, continues to make waves in the Tejano community and beyond, using her voice and platform to bring hope to those who need it most.
As TMP looks forward, the organization is inspired to keep pushing its mission further. With the support of the community and partners like Laura Linda, TMP will continue to bring music therapy resources to hospitals across Texas, creating moments of joy and healing in the lives of young patients and their families.
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