Inspire, Spring 2009

nurture people. After graduation, she started working with developmentally disabled children. “I knew what I could do to help each child communicate using rhythm and sound and instruments,” she explained. “My mind started exploding with ideas of how to use music to increase their social, emotional, and physical skills.” More Changes For the next seven years, Deforia continued her work with children through music therapy. But then a new puzzle piece fell into place — one she had not anticipated. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a modified radical mastectomy followed by oral chemotherapy. Only 10 months later, a recurrence in the chest wall meant a second surgery and six more weeks of radiation. To cope with the disease, she joined a support group. “I was put into a circumstance where I needed to be with people on the same roller coaster of emotion,” she said. “All the things that flooded my head were flooding theirs as well. I found hope and understanding.” As a result of the relationships she built at the hospital, Deforia began volunteering at the University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center, introducing music therapy to their program. Just six months later, they hired her as a full- time employee. “It gave me another chance to use where I am and what I do to reach my own community,” she said. She extended her influence further when, in 1999, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland invited her to start a program working with preschoolers and their mothers. They wanted to use music to model proper parenting skills, mostly to moms at risk of losing their children. Teaching the youngsters socialization and literacy, the program, called Toddler Rock, now has 11 music therapists working with 200 kids, ages 3 to 5. “We’ve seen very positive changes,” said Deforia. “The students are better at following directions, taking turns, singing together, and playing.” As a result of this success, Toddler Rock received the 2007 Coming Up Taller Award from the Presidential Committee on Arts and Humanities and was designated one of the top 50 children’s programs in the country. The Song Goes On In 2005, Deforia joined two other African American women to form Sing, Sister, Sing. As cancer survivors, the women tell their stories and share the songs that encouraged them through their journey. By interweaving information within the drama, the 20-minute program also dispels some of the myths about cancer. “Our purpose is to educate inner-city African American women about the importance of mammograms and self-examination,” said Deforia. “We’ve reached more than 500 women, and we want to keep the ministry going.” The program has even spread outside of Cleveland. She sees it as a wonderful combination of spiritual encouragement and physical strengthening, as well as another chance to minister to women at their best ... and at their worst. The Big Picture Eight years ago, Deforia found another piece of the puzzle when she was named a University trustee. She has enjoyed growing in partnership with Cedarville ever since. “It’s an idyllic place,” she said. “I believe I’ve gained more than I’ve contributed. The Lord has repeatedly shown me that His hand is on this University.” Deforia cherishes the relationships she has fostered with Cedarville’s administration, faculty, and, in particular, students. The latter feel comfortable calling her on the phone, and some have even visited her in Cleveland to observe her work there. As a result, several students have become music therapists. She has also spoken in chapel three times, which she refers to as a “thrilling and nerve-racking experience.” Throughout her life, Deforia has learned that God may not be predictable, but He is faithful. “Years ago,” she said, “I asked God if He could use me to do something great for Him. But after I graduated with my music degree, I was impatient and wanted to accomplish something right away. Then He led me to music therapy ... and the path He has put me on has been beyond my wildest dreams.” Dr. Deforia Lane serves as director of music therapy at the University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center. She is also a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and has been consulted on projects for Sesame Street , the Special Olympics, and the Mayo Clinic. In addition, her work has been highlighted by CNN, ABC, and NBC. She also serves on Cedarville’s board of trustees. She and her husband, Ernest, have two sons, Martin and Curtis, and a 2-year-old grandson named Moses. You may contact her at deforialane@usa.net . Sharyn Kopf enjoys her role as senior writer for the public relations department at Cedarville. She has worked previously as a newspaper reporter and spent more than seven years as an award-winning radio writer for Focus on the Family. You may contact her at skopf@cedarville.edu . D eforia resonated with the way music therapy combined the beauty of music with her desire to nurture people. i