The nonprofit provides dinner, snack boxes and other support for families with hospitalized children.
CHICAGO — As Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling played for parents of children receiving treatment at Comer Children’s Hospital, Jamie Freedlund spotted a mother who was just taking it all in.
„There was this mom who was listening and there were just tears streaming down her face,“ said Freedlund. „She just had a minute to feel the emotions.“
Tolling was invited to play by a charity founded by Freedlund and her husband, Gary, called Mattea’s Joy. The non-profit provides dinner, snack boxes and other support for families with hospitalized children.
„I absolutely believe music is healing,“ said Tolling. „What I feel like I can do is I can provide the inspiration for people.“
The Freedlunds founded Mattea’s Joy in honor of their daughter Mattea Joy Freedlund, who died in 2010. The pair spent several stints in the hospital with Mattea as she battled a variety of health challenges during her short but impactful life.
„I remember very vividly the day she passed away,“ said Gary. „We were walking out holding hands and we said, ‚well, are you ready to jump?‘ We didn’t know what to expect next.
