Each year the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards highlight the spirit of civic engagement among New Jersey’s 1.5 million volunteers and provide Jefferson Awards medals in 22 categories of volunteer service.
Mary C. Rorro '91 and her mother Gilda Rorro Baldassari were both among this year's honorees.
Rorro, a Veterans Affairs psychiatrist who treats veterans dealing with PTSD and other issues, was honored for her work with veterans. The elder Rorro received a Lifetime Service award.
A music major with a minor in biology at Bryn Mawr, Rorro often plays music for patients as part of therapy.
She talked about about the healing power of music in a recent interview with L’Idea Magazine.
From the article:
"The first time I witnessed the power of music was as my grandfather was dying in his hospital bed. I played Toselli’s Serenade for him, a favorite song he frequently requested. His last words were 'More music.' As a candy striper in high school, my mother encouraged me to entertain the ill patients under my charge. She witnessed as I played for a depressed cancer patient who had not spoken for months, who suddenly began to sing along with my violin to Christmas carols, bringing the nurses to tears. That inspiring moment influenced me to combine my desire to be a physician and blend music into my profession. We recognized the healing power of music to those suffering that day. My mother was so proud. I wanted to make her happy by sharing music with others, who needed it in the most essential way."
Read the entire article online.