Young adults undergoing cancer treatment at RBWH enjoying the event.

Adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment made some noise with a very special event at the RBWH Sony You Can Youth Cancer Centre.

The Stairwell Project – Musicians in Hospitals ran their inaugural “You can make some noise” music event on 20 May, offering a series of songwriting workshops to young cancer patients aged between 15 and 25.

Hosted by musicians Joe Rabjohns and Danny Widdicombe with MC stand-up comic Harley Breen from Network Ten’s popular Taboo program, provided a creative and fun outlet for patients.

The Stairwell Project Co-Founder and Director Peter Breen said he was proud to see the event come to life after many months in planning.

“These young people are dealing with so much, so to provide them with an opportunity to have some fun and take their minds off their treatment is really special,” he said.

“Music therapy has proven benefits for people with a range of health conditions such as cancer, and is shown to improve anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue.

“We’re thrilled to be adding this event to our regular arts program in the Sony You Can Centre and plan to offer songwriting workshops throughout the Winter school holidays.”

Metro North Health Executive Director Cancer Care Associate Professor Dr Glen Kennedy said events such as this are just one of the many ways RBWH and the Sony You Can Centre supports young cancer patients from across Queensland.

“A cancer diagnosis and treatment is a difficult time for anyone, let alone as a young person who has their whole life ahead of them,” he said.

“Events such as You can make some noise are vital for providing a sense of normality and an opportunity to connect with others who are going through the same thing.

“As COVID restrictions continue to ease, we will be bringing more events like this to adolescent and young adult cancer patients from across Queensland.”