There is a nonprofit organization based out of Jackson, which has worked quietly serving the Hines County community. Life Care Wellness PEP for Angels, Inc., is an inspirational organization. Their theme, Laughter is Healing, says it all.

I was blessed to recently have met Dr. Jean Farish, the drive behind the group. We had never met, only corresponded by email, but when I saw a smiling lady enter the front door of a large room filled with people, I know immediately it was she. Happy people have a glow about them. Their eyes sparkle as if anticipating the next adventure.

We chatted as if we were old friends that first day, kindred spirits, I think. As we talked about her current mission to bring creativity into the lives of the sick children at Batson Children’s Hospital, I knew we were on the same page.

I remembered the many commentaries recognizing the importance of the arts, especially within the needs of the medical community.

Below is an excerpt: www.artashealing.org/main/

“By art, we always mean storytelling, poetry, music, dance, visual arts, painting, sculpture, everything that is usually thought of as creativity. We believe that art and healing are joining together to become one. As art and healing merge, the field of art will be changed and the field of medicine will be changed. For many of us, healing art is a spiritual path, a transformational process, a way of being. This site concentrates on making art to heal, on the power of the creative process of art as a healing force. We believe that making art frees the body’s healing mechanisms to heal. We believe it unites body, mind, and spirit. In art and healing, no interpretation or therapy is necessary. The creative process is the healer.”

The concept, a creative approach to healing, is rather simplistic. I mean why didn’t I, why didn’t we think of this hundreds of years ago? Example: Why can’t a happy heart be a healthy heart? And art is the epitome of happy.

My preferred arts category is storytelling. When I grab my storytelling hat and start my day with a story, then happiness just jumps out of my being. Recently a doctor friend of mine declared, “Anne, you have a happy bone.” I think that was the best compliment that I have ever received.

My answer was “Happy is as happy does.”

Below are a few words from Dr. Jean Farish about her nonprofit organization.

Laughter is healing

“I am the Founder and CEO of Life Care Wellness PEP For Angels, Inc., a non-profit organization to Enrich Lives and Serve Our Community. Inspired by my six-months stay in Penang, Malaysia, where I spent time volunteering at Lion’s REACh Centre (Association of Resource and Education for Autistic Children), this organization was created. It was truly a heart opening and heart-warming experience working with the children, families and staff. In partnership with the Mississippi Arts Commission, our organization hosts the PEP for Angels Cultural Arts Festival for children, family, staff and caregivers at UMMC Batson Children’s Hospital. Mrs. Annie McKee presented one of the most inspirational and engaging performances using creative storytelling, prompts to involve the children, and assisted each child in creating special Valentine’s Day cards. It was amazing to see the smiles on the faces of all who attended, and feel the excitement of each child creating their special cards for themselves and their loved ones. Our theme, Laughter Is Healing, reflects the power of the arts as an adjunct to the healing process; encourages interaction among children, family, staff and caregivers, and exposes them to a variety of cultural arts. These special moments of joy provide brief moments of reprieve from the traditional treatment regime, and bring the arts to the hospital setting. Many feel more connected to the community and the arts as a result of our programs. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve and give back to the community.”

Recently I read that scientists have proven the arts affect every cell in the body. Once the song is sung, or story told, instantly a change occurs throughout the immune system which makes blood flow to all organs. Then it is possible for the sick to see the world as a place of light rather than darkness.

When can the arts heal? The answer is now.

Anne B McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Performing Artist and Teaching Artist Rosters. See her web site: www.annemckeestoryteller.com.