Written by: Keri Catron Shuman & Steven Poast

Published: December 3, 2023

The NACHO Street Band, made up of friends, family and staff of Nationwide Children’s Hospital has the unique opportunity to practice every week in front of an enthusiastic audience of residents at OakLeaf Village Community in Columbus, Ohio. The personalities of the residents shine as they dance and sing along. Over time, we have gotten to know their names, favorite songs, and love of music. 

These folks have become integral part of our band family and help in our mission to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. They have heard us at our best, preparing for events like Jazz and Rib Fest. They have also heard us at our worst as we sight read new songs. They have even traveled long distances to see us perform. It is a wonderful relationship benefiting everyone involved.

So, when the family of former resident Christine (Chris) Krites reached out with a special request, the band did not hesitate to rise to the occasion. Chris was a true NACHO groupie. She had special outfits and hats for different performances. Chris would abruptly end a phone call with family because “It’s time for NACHO!” She was well-known for bringing a party attitude and joyful atmosphere to every rehearsal and performance. Now Chris was in hospice care and time was short, but she had one final request: she wanted to hear NACHO perform one last time.

Chris was the middle of nine siblings, and while they each had their own musical gifts, Chris’ was to sing. She was also one to take charge and get things done. Which is why she was dubbed the “Mayor of Oakleaf.” Being an amputee did not slow her down either. Chris simply used her electric wheelchair as another way to spread joy and positive energy. She would work to help people, do what was right and put all her energy into those efforts. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. It inspired the band, and her sisters who have begun to advocate for retirement home residents who cannot advocate for themselves. 

The family reached out to Steven Poast, NACHO president and sousaphonist to see if the band would make the 90-minute trip from Columbus to Cridersville to celebrate Chris’ life with a fun, high-energy musical performance. It was a unique request; to be the last musical performance in a person’s life. It is an honor not to be taken lightly. 

Steven researched what type of music and atmosphere would match this occasion. Typing into Google “End-of-Life Celebration” and sifting through the results. How do you honor an individual through live music? Shortly after putting the word out to the band, it was clear there were more than enough volunteers willing to make the trip. After working closely with the family a setlist was finalized and trip plans were made.

On Thursday, October 12th a small NACHO ensemble traveled to Northwest Ohio. Upon arrival, the performance space was filled with an enthusiastic audience ready to hear what NACHO was all about. As the performance began, and music filled the halls, even more residents and staff arrived. After a few songs, the guest of honor, Chris rounded the corner in her hospital bed. She was surrounded by her family who were all wearing amazing and outrageous hats in her honor. Chris, herself, was dressed to the nines including her signature taco hat. She was resting peacefully in her hospital bed, but it was very evident she could hear every note and was moved by the music.

The performance continued into the evening, and the residents showed off some impressive dance moves, lots of singing and exceptional tambourining. The family took the opportunity to honor the memory of their loved one through generous donations to not only NACHO but also a scholarship fund and the local humane society. 

One of Chris’ sisters jumped in between songs to present a special keepsake. One of Chris’ holiday hats. As she described the previous year’s Oakleaf-NACHOholiday event, where Chris came in and the show stopped because of her hat. The band laughed and even got a little teary eyed. “One of you really made a big deal about this hat, and Chris wanted to make sure you had it.”

Then it dawned on Steven. He was the one who stopped the performance to call out Chris, her decorations, and the hat. As the holiday hat was presented to him, Steven smiled, thanked Chris, and felt his heart swell like the Grinch at the end of the story. The holiday hat has since made appearances with Steven at holiday events this year.

The performance wrapped up with staff and residents dancing to NACHO classics. The smiles and energy were infectious. It was a typical NACHO performance. Just as Chris would want it. 

After the performance, each band member received positive words of thanks and appreciation. But the privilege was truly ours. Chris gave the greatest gift to us by making this request. Even though she could only participate for a short while, she facilitated this gift of music to all the other residents, staff, and her family. 

As residents went back to their rooms and family members started to leave for the night, Steven accompanied a few of the sisters to Chris’ room. It was decked out in scarlet and gray, along with various Ohio State decorations. So, it seemed appropriate that several of the NACHO members are Ohio State Marching Band alumni. A fact Steven shared with the family, and Chris as he said his final good-byes. By this point Chris could not say much and would give out a deep breath with a short head movement to acknowledge hearing someone. Chris’ sisters witnessed this interaction as Steven said, “We’ll see you at our next gig. You’ll always have a front row seat.”  

Christine passed away peacefully the next day. Her family believes, as we do, she held on for this one final event. The band was forever changed that night. We always tout “music is medicine” and have witnessed music providing a means to support, celebrate and even cope. That night we experienced music helping family and friends cope with loss, supporting each other in challenging times, and celebrating together while their loved one is still with them. 

It is a lesson we are grateful to have experienced. It is a lesson we hope to share in the years to come. 

Thank you Chris ♥️