For Kris Presley, raising a son with special needs has not been easy. Chance, now 16, was not supposed to live past age 5. Medically fragile, she called him.
And yet life is grand these days, thanks in part to Music Therapy of the Ozarks, a new charity this year to the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
You see, Chance for years was 100 percent non-verbal. And yet …
“Sitting on the couch one night, he said, ‘I love you, Momma,’” Presley said. “To have your 16-year-old say that is incredible. I broke down in tears. He loves music and I think music therapy has opened up his world.”
The PCCC is proud to have the charity, Music Therapy of the Ozarks, on board for the first time. The tournament, part of the PGA’s Web.com Tour, has gifted almost $13 million to Ozarks children’s charities in the past 26 years, including more than $900,000 last year alone. And your support could go a long way.
About Music Therapy of the Ozarks
Music Therapy of the Ozarks was founded in 2014 by Julie Cassity. She is the owner and clinical director of the Center for Music Therapy and Wellness at Drury University. In working in this position, she saw a need to provide financial assistance for individuals in the community to access music therapy services, including children with developmental disabilities and autism.
“It has become very apparent to me in running our music clinic that people couldn’t afford our services because they are not covered by insurance,” Cassity said. “For most families, when they are dealing with children with special needs, they are often strapped financially.”
For Presley’s son, Chance, Music Therapy of the Ozarks has been a real difference-maker. “It has completely changed his life,” Presley said. “Four years ago, he didn’t have any concentration. He couldn’t complete tasks. He probably could for about 30 seconds.”
It’s been a huge breakthrough for Presley, whose son, she was told, “probably wasn’t going to live to be 5.”
“Now he can complete a project that can take 15-20 minutes,” Presley said. “He can now read notes and play simple songs on a piano.”
Here’s how to help:
RISING STARS, RAISING HOPES
BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the skyboxes on the 9th and 18th greens (with food badges), on-course signage and events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Businesses also can donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of your charity of choice to benefit them in the Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by Copy Products, Inc. and University Plaza.
WIN A NEW TRUCK: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket can win one of 500 daily gift cards as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2016 Ford F-150 XLT. It’s also good for a four-day tournament pass.
SEE THE FUTURE OF THE PGA TOUR: The PCCC is from Aug. 5-15, with the pros beginning play on Aug. 11 at Highland Springs Country Club. For tickets or other ways to assist, call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.
SUPPORT MUSIC THERAPY OF THE OZARKS: To support the charity in any way, call Julie Cassity at 417-861-7345 or visit www.musictherapyoftheozarks.org.