Showcasing Ashton's story, a local 7-year-old with brain cancer.
CINCINNATI - Mount St. Joseph University (the Mount) is proud to announce an upcoming band concert in collaboration with the non-profit organization Sing Me a Story.
The Mount partnered with Sing Me a Story to create a musical piece that was inspired by a story written by a young community member, Ashton Hawkins. Ashton is bravely battling an intense form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. She is currently undergoing 9 rounds of chemotherapy this spring.
One of the Mount’s music majors, Austin Gray, has composed the piece inspired by the story that Ashton created, and the Mount’s band will play it at the concert. MSJ theater students will also read the story aloud during the performance.
"We are deeply honored to be a part of this meaningful collaboration with Sing Me a Story," said Josclynn Garrison, director of bands at Mount St. Joseph University. "This project not only showcases the power of music to uplift and inspire but also highlights the importance of coming together as a community to support those facing challenging circumstances."
Sing Me a Story is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the imaginations of children in need to life through music. They give children in need the opportunity to write and illustrate stories about anything they want. The organization then gives those stories to songwriters and musicians who turn them into songs and send them back to the kids. In this instance, Sing Me a Story worked with The Cure Starts Now Foundation to link up with Ashton and her family.
“We believe the greatest gift in the world is the gift of giving,” said Autumn Dobbeck, director of operations at Sing Me a Story. “When we give the children the opportunity to give the one thing they all have, their imaginations, it instills in them a sense of pride and dignity knowing that their voices matter to many.”
"We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Mount St. Joseph University on this project," added Dobbeck. "Ashton's story is a testament to the strength and courage of children facing illness, and we are honored to help share it through music."
The concert will serve as a platform to debut the composition inspired by Ashton's story, alongside other captivating musical performances including performances by Dr. Wade Goodwin, and Highlands High School winter percussion.
The concert will take place on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mount St. Joseph University Theatre located at 5701 Delhi Rd. Cincinnati, OH. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend and show their support for Ashton.
If you're interested in learning more about Ashton and her cancer journey, she has a Caring Bridge page which you can read here.
About the Mount
As a Catholic institution rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University excels at serving the common good. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at the Mount are inspired to think beyond the classroom and redraw the bounds of what’s possible for their futures. This is accomplished through individualized educational experiences, a safe, secure campus environment, and an all-in commitment from faculty and staff to inspire students to reach their highest potential. The Mount fosters life-long learners who serve, care, and contribute to the world beyond their front doors.
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