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.
