By Tara Conry
Students filled Hofstra USA to form the largest collegiate choir to help record the 6,000th "Song of Love." The event held on Nov. 3 educated students about "Songs of Love," a non-profit organization that writes and produces personalized songs for children struggling with chronic or terminal illnesses.
John Beltzer, a singer and songwriter, founded the organization in February 1996 after the death of his twin brother, Julio Beltzer, on April 12, 1984. Two months before Julio died, he wrote and recorded a song titled "Songs of Love." When Beltzer first introduced the concept to his fellow musicians and friends, many agreed the idea was beautiful, but was unlikely to succeed due to the costs of song production and reliance on donations.
However, eight years later the organization continues to thrive from the generous donations and the collaboration of talented singers and songwriters. The songs cater to the child's preference in style and langue, while the lyrics reflect the interests provided by the brochure completed by the child's caretaker.
Beltzer works full-time so the children will receive their song within 30 days. When Beltzer first started the organization, he recorded 30 songs a month, but after employing the talent of over 300 songwriters, he has increased production to 120 songs a month.
To further expand the outreach of the organization, Beltzer's trip to the University marked the launch of his Music Messenger program, which recruits volunteers to distribute brochures and educate families and hospitals about the organization. Beltzer said the messengers are honored to have their names on the CDs of the children they have helped.
Over 30 University students made the commitment to spread Beltzer's message. This year, Beltzer's goal was to reach 1,400 children, but he hopes through the program he can extend this figure to 1,800.
Rabbi Meir Mitelman was introduced to "Songs of Love" through the publication, Ziv Tzedatah, which is Hebrew for "radiance" and "charity." The magazine included "Songs of Love," in its briefs about "Mitzvah heroes," people making positive changes in others' lives.
When Beltzer held a conference for Jewish educators this summer at the University, Mitleman embraced the opportunity to meet with him. After the session, during which Beltzer employed the voices of those present to record the chorus of one of his songs, Mitleman was determined to bring the event to University students.
"I wanted to bring the students together for a wonderful philanthropy project that transcends religion and politics and helps children who are sick," Mitleman said.
Beltzer informed Mitleman the cost of the event would be $2,000, but Mitleman was confident monetary means would not be an obstacle. Mitleman presented the project to Dennis Camacho, assistant director of student activities, who then rallied the support of the Greek community. Most of the funding was supplied by the Student Government Association, Hillel and Inter Fraternity and Sorority councils with the help of their co-sponsors, Student Activities, Newman Club, Protestant Club, Muslim Students Association, Circle K, Gospel Ensemble and Sigma Acapella.
Beltzer contacted Mitleman one week prior to the event to share two exciting developments. Coincidentally, the visit to the University would mark his 6,000th song. In light of positive test results, Brendan Miranda, the 5-year-old boy who would receive the song, would also be present.
"Most children's illnesses prevent them from participating, so tonight we have real treat," Beltzer added.
Miranda was diagnosed with leukemia in August.
"We were nervous coming at first, because we were just beginning to cope with the news," Michelle Miranda, Brendan's mother, said. She said in 1960, leukemia was considered a death sentence, but the doctor's have said Brendan's success rate is 75 to 85 percent.
Brendan's beaming smile, along with the enthusiastic dancing of his younger siblings, raised the excitement of the audience, while leading others to tears.
"I'd never wish this tragedy on anyone," Michelle said, "But everyday I am in awe of the kindness of people and I can definitely say my kid has the best song."
When creating the 6000th song, Beltzer said, "We assembled songwriters in what was a massive collaboration. The end result was similar to 'We Are the World.'"
Beltzer also spoke to aspiring musicians, saying, "You don't have to feel like failure, because you don't have a record contract. 'Songs of Love' is about utilizing your talents to help others."
Beltzer's success is testament to his message to seek fulfillment outside the commercial industry and as Matt Lauer of the "Today Show" stated in a segment about Beltzer, "All of his songs are hits!"
"When a songwriter gets a letter from the child or their parent, it's like winning a Grammy," Beltzer said.
He is motivated by the smiles his songs bring to the faces of these sick children and by his strong belief that music is a form of medicine. To support this statement, Beltzer's advisory board includes specialists in the areas of music therapy, pediatric music therapy, pediatrics, pediatric oncology and psychology.
Chris Stavropoulos, a musician and psychologist said, "I think music becoming medicine is the wave of the future."
Beltzer noted his songs are not music therapy, which requires a more interactive and hands on treatment, but they are therapeutic tools that can be used during these sessions.
"I've received many letters from parents saying their children no longer cry during their treatment sessions, because they listen to their songs," Beltzer added. "The major appeal of 'Songs of Love' is it is non-invasive. We do not interfere with people's lives or go into hospitals."
Some of the students who participated in recording Brendan's song, were still humming the tune throughout class the next day.
"Everyone was so into it, and it was great to see the child smiling," Shannon Hegly, a broadcast journalism major, said. "I knew a lot of Greek organizations were going. Many times we attend these events to earn chapter points, but I think the turnout was even bigger because people really wanted to be a part of this."
The clubs, students and members of the administration that participated in the event have expressed interest in establishing the "Songs of Love" recording session as an annual event at the University.
Brendan Miranda, 5, who is suffering from lukemia, listened with his family to the "Song of Love" created by Belzter. (Harry Tanielyan/The Chronicle)