Downtown Willoughby event organized to support local music therapist

Sep. 27—The Willoughby Fine Arts Association, alongside Harmony Yoga Studios and Guiding Eyes for the Blind, has created an event for Danielle "Danni" Musat, a local music therapist who was diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma this summer.

Musat, who has been a music therapist at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby for the last 11 years, is currently undergoing chemotherapy. As a way to provide support and raise funds for her medical expenses, the event is scheduled for Oct. 1 from noon to 2 p.m. at Wes Point Park in downtown Willoughby.

The word that has been constant for Musat regarding this collaboration is "overwhelmed," she said.

"I am in awe that people are willing to give up their own time, energy and money for someone they have never met all because a couple of great friends of mine asked for help," she said. "They knew I would not do the asking and it took some convincing, but when I heard puppies and yoga, my mind was set."

Musat said it's hard for her to accept this level of outpouring of love and support.

"I am learning, through this journey, that I too need to take a breath, slow down and let others take the reins," she said.

From noon to 1 p.m., the public is invited to join together for an outdoor yoga class in the park. Adding to the class will be the interaction of puppies in training from Guiding Eyes. The puppies will be handled by their volunteer raisers.

Following the class will be live music from 1 to 2 p.m. The music will be provided by Ann Marie Raddell and Ellen Mann, among the music therapy faculty from the Fine Arts Association, as well as by Kyle Lorek, a professional musician.

Additionally, the public is welcome to stop by the puppy kissing booth and enjoy light refreshments. No pre-registration or cost to participate are required, however, donations will be accepted to support Musat.

In case of rain or inclement weather, the event will go on as much as possible.

"Danni is going through challenging times and we're going to show up for her despite challenges, too," said Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, who has been working to organize the event in collaboration with Raddell, the team at Harmony Yoga and Guiding Eyes. "The goal of the event is to wrap Danni in love and support."

For the first three years of her career, Musat worked as a music therapist in a residential treatment facility for children and teens with behavioral health problems. She then became a full-time music therapist at Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities, where she spent eight years working with children from 18 months old through adults into their 80s.

Musat also has a studio at Royalton Music Center where she sees children and adults with developmental, and physical disabilities.

She has additionally facilitated drum circles, music and movement activities, increasing self-esteem for individuals with all developmental disabilities.

Musat has since served varying populations, including cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, autism, speech delay, fine/gross motor delay, non-verbal individuals and individuals with augmentative communication devices.

She said her parents have been a huge inspiration in her career choice as a music therapist. Both being music educators allowed her the opportunity to find her own path through music.

"I knew I did not want to teach music in a classroom, but I still wanted to make a difference in others' lives," Musat said. "A friend of mine had just started attending Baldwin-Wallace College in the Music Therapy program and asked me to attend a student conference.

"After a day learning about music therapy, I was sold. I have never looked back and wondered what it would be like to have a different career."

Using music to help others find their potential, learn, grow, experience life, think outside of the box and encourage others is what Musat enjoys the most about her career.

Fleming-Gifford and Raddell began brainstorming about ways to support Musat, who has also rescued many dogs over the years. A community yoga class as part of the event was a wish list addition from Fleming-Gifford.

"Yoga has a wonderful way to heal, connect and inspire," she said.

As part of the event, Natalie Lorber, owner of Harmony Yoga, has offered to teach the class herself at no additional charge.

Fleming-Gifford then reached out to the local chapter of puppy raisers. Answering the request was Danielle Slover, a longtime puppy raiser who quickly confirmed the participation of raisers to bring the dogs to the event.

Musat said she has a strong bond to the canine world, noting that she has three rescue dogs in her home.

"I have only ever adopted rescues," she said. "I truly believe sometimes that second chance is the one that makes the difference. If you can rescue an animal that has been through trauma and that animal ends up showing you love, and respect back — that is magic."

Musat said it takes patience and time to build trust, and respect with not only animals, but with people.

"I base my career and personal life on these qualities," she said. "I am excited that yoga and puppies are part of this amazing event. Yoga has brought me strength and calm into my world, and I think the combination of both is genius."

According to Melanie Rae, a parent of a child who Musat provided music therapy services for, Musat is one of the most caring individuals she has ever met.

"Danni was our music therapist when Emma was a toddler struggling to speak and communicate," Rae said. "After meeting Danni and experiencing her first class, I knew right away we were in the right place."

Rae describes Musat as a person who has devoted her life to helping others with disabilities.

"She's given to so many," she said. "It's our turn to give back to her."

Not only does Musat want to "kick cancer's butt," but continue to work with those in need of any services, as well as continuing to share her love of music and how it can help others.

For those who may be going through something similar, Musat encourages them to never give up.

"That doesn't mean don't cry, scream, stomp your feet, swear, hit a pillow...it just means to give yourself grace and time, and then get back up and keep fighting," she said. "There are OK days and not OK days. Support is needed from family, friends, animals, exercise, meditation and medication. Don't be afraid to reach out or accept a hand that is reaching toward you."