Vanderbilt's ALS Clinic Still Reverberating with Harmony

Nashville Singers shared our music again with the patients at the Vanderbilt ALS Clinic at lunchtime on Friday, August 3rd, 2012.   On the first Friday of every month, the Neurology Clinic on the third floor of The Vanderbilt Clinic is completely transformed. There's a lively atmosphere, with food and music, and, most importantly, a sympathetic care team composed of every imaginable discipline.

This transformation is made for the benefit of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. A neurogenerative disorder of the brain and spinal cord, ALS leads to weakness and muscle wasting in the extremities and impairment of speech, swallowing and respiration. Typical life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years.

Because there is no cure for ALS and only one FDA-approved medication, which slows disease progression slightly, treatment focuses on improving symptoms.

There is also a major emphasis on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Volunteer musicians play in the waiting room and lunch is donated so patients don't have to trek to the cafeteria.

Nashville Singers first performed for the Vanderbilt ALS Clinic

on December 4, 2009.   

New Nashville Singers Tee Shirt Turning Heads 

This Day in Music      

August 6, 1960 - Chubby Checker appeared on US TV show  American Bandstand and performed 'The Twist.' The song went to No.1 on the US chart and again 18 months later in 1962. It is the only song to go to the top of the charts on two separate occasions.

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