• Harnessing the power of music therapy to heal, uplift and connect page

Healing Through Harmony

How one man’s legacy offers hope to others through music

By Olivia Watson | Photo: Stephen Legendre

Jennifer Hazelwood knew how to address an audience. After over 20 years as a teacher in Jefferson Parish’s public school system, she was a passionate educator and public speaker who later gave professional development seminars to auditoriums filled with teachers. She was also a talented ballerina, and coowner of a ballet studio. Language and music were central to her life.

Similarly, William “Billy” Legier, Jr. had a successful career in real estate, first in Southern California and later in New Orleans, but one of his true passions was music. He loved singing at events with friends and family where he would often get everyone on their feet with his suave renditions of Bon Jovi, Neil Diamond and other popular singers.

Jennifer’s story changed on June 19, 2021, when she suffered a life-threatening stroke. A few years prior, Billy’s life had similarly changed with a cancer diagnosis.

“You can’t mince words when you have a diagnosis like this,” William Legier, Sr., Billy’s father, said of the moment. Billy was given a prognosis of 16 months.

An X-ray of Jennifer’s brain showed that the left hemisphere, the area associated with speech production and articulation, was damaged.

“We always had a deep faith and optimism that God would take care of her,” her father, Freddy Yoder, said.

Music therapy at Ochsner Neuroscience Institute

Billy fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma, and passed away at age 47. “Billy received excellent care at Ochsner,” shared his mother, Melissa Legier.

His family funds the music therapy program in honor of Billy’s life, legacy and love of music. Ochsner Neuroscience Institute is the only one of its kind in New Orleans that offers neurologic music therapy services for adults with neurological disorders.

“Billy had an unmatched zest for life and made an impact on anyone he encountered,” Melissa said. “The program passes on the best parts of Billy so that he continues to inspire hope and healing both in life and in death.”

Ongoing donations ensure that adult neurology patients can go to music therapy sessions for free. Tuning into every patient’s needs

After her stroke, Jennifer began intensive speech therapy, as well as occupational therapy to help her regain movement in her right side.

“Jennifer can talk, but sometimes it’s hard for her to organize what she wants to say. She often uses a white board to write. She gets her message across one way or the other—she’s a determined lady,” Freddy shared with a laugh.

And when Jennifer heard about the Music Therapy program at Ochsner’s Neuroscience Institute, she was determined to give it a try.

“It’s wonderful that the Legiers donated for this program,” said Meredith Sharpe, Board-Certified Neurologic Music Therapist and leader of the program. “I think so often the arts are left out or overlooked as a viable therapeutic tool.”

An evidence-based profession, music therapy uses interactive music experiences to improve or maintain cognitive functioning, communication, physical ability or social/emotional well-being. When patients listen to or make music, many areas of the brain are stimulated. The music’s elements, including rhythm, volume, tempo and tone, have the potential to optimize non-musical brain function.

“The ultimate goal is to improve patients’ lives and that can mean different things for everyone, depending on the diagnosis and what they need,” Meredith shared.

One of Jennifer’s goals in recovery was saying her name again. “We regularly practiced neurologic music therapy techniques that incorporate deep breathing exercises, singing and the use of rhythm to cue speech production,” Meredith said. It worked. Jennifer can say her name again. Because of the music therapy that she receives at Ochsner, Jennifer is now able to articulate words and thoughts by singing them in a manner she was unable to before.

“Jennifer’s new normal looks different. But she’s got her brain, her wit, her understanding,” Freddy said. “And her joy.”

Jennifer is reclaiming her voice, one day at a time. Through written and verbal communication, Jennifer explained her journey: “I appreciate every day and everything so much more now. Someday I would like to help children with speech issues like myself. I don’t know God’s plan for me, but I’m doing my best to follow it and forge ahead on a new path.”

William and Melissa “Babydoll” Legier with photos of their son, Billy. To see the Legiers in their own words, please scan this code to watch a video. To donate to the music therapy program at Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, please go to ochsner.org/legier