ST. LOUIS – Chances are, you or someone you love has been affected by breast cancer, and the journey is never an easy one.
For Amy Camie, music has always been a part of her life, but she never imagined it would play such a profound role in healing others. A classically trained musician, she has been playing piano and harp since her elementary school days, with her parents both being music professionals.
For over two decades, Camie has used her musical talents to help newly diagnosed cancer patients find a sense of peace and comfort during their difficult journeys. This work began even before her own breast cancer diagnosis.
“Being in those communities prior to my diagnosis gave me a different perspective, because I realized my journey wasn’t about fighting. I’d been fighting myself long enough. My personal journey was really about learning how to love myself,” she said.
Camie’s understanding of music’s healing power deepened during a studio session with her husband. She describes a moment where the music felt like it was “coming through her, not from her.”
That session resulted in the release of her album “The Magic Mirror,” which has since resonated with people all over the world, especially in communities battling illness. The album’s impact also inspired cutting-edge pilot studies in healthcare.
“We showed that listening to this music helped to normalize neurological functioning,” she explained. “In a separate pilot study, we found that it had a sustained impact on immune system biomarkers for up to 72 hours after listening to it once.”
This weekend, Camie will be honored as one of five Portrait of Hope Ambassadors at the Annual American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Union Station in St. Louis.
The Making Strides movement has been making waves, surpassing the halfway point of its $350,000 fundraising goal as of Wednesday night. This weekend’s event, which brings together survivors, warriors, and allies, is expected to help push the total to the finish line. The celebration includes activities for the whole family.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a kids zone, DJ concert, and Survivor Tent running until 11:30 a.m. The event aims to show that Making Strides is more than just a walk; it’s a movement of hope, strength, and unity.
For Camie, being part of the walk is a powerful experience.
“All of the people are so heart-centered and supportive. It’s fun, and I’m really looking forward to walking with the other teams and Portrait of Hope ambassadors,” she said.
Her music continues to reach those who need it most.
“I never know where the music goes… It just kind of finds its way into the hands of people who need it in the moment,” Camie said.
For more information on Camie’s music, her personal journal during her cancer journey, and details about her research studies, you can visit her Link Tree page. There’s still time to join Amy’s team for the Making Strides walk on Saturday.
