Growing up in a household where music flowed as freely as conversation, I learned early on that melodies could do more than entertain; they could heal. My grandfather was always in and out of the hospital. When he was recovering from surgery, I would come play him violin in his room. I noticed how playing his favorite songs lifted his mood and seemed to ease his discomfort. I started to understand that music had the power to soothe not just the body, but the spirit. I saw how a melody could bring calm, spark memories, or open space for connection when words fell short. Those days in the hospital, using music for both comfort and care, inspired my path to Music Therapy: More than a Song.

Music therapy is an evidence-based practice using music as a tool to achieve clinical goals and to improve overall quality of life. It has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance communication, especially in individuals with neurological conditions such as dementia, stroke, and autism. Research also shows that it can lower anxiety, decrease pain perception, and improve cognitive and motor functions through structured, goal-oriented musical interaction.

Hello all,

A few years ago, a close family friend of mine passed away from a sudden heart attack. She had no previous health complications, lived a healthy lifestyle, and then one day, she was gone. It made me realize how little awareness there is about women's heart health, and how easily these things could happen.

Supporting Go Red for Women isn’t just about donations—it’s about giving women access to the knowledge, screenings, and care they need to protect their hearts. 

Your support is needed, and so greatly appreciated. Join the movement to end heart disease and provide tuition scholarships to women in America. No donation is too small!

Sincerely,

Emma Boonabi-Mirfathali

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Miss America and Miss America's Teen National Scholarships are awarded by a separate non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Miss America's Scholarship Foundation Inc. This collaboration provides funds for national awards, and in addition, both Miss America's/Miss America's Teen State Scholarships and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women is Miss America's Scholarship Foundation's national health thought leader. All above mentioned entities are 501(c)(3) organizations and all donations to this campaign are fully tax-deductible per IRS regulations.