The Healing Power of Music

Just 14 years old, Teresa has already faced and overcome challenges that most people could never imagine. Burned in an act of domestic violence when she was only 3 months old, she has spent her life not only recovering physically but also finding ways to heal emotionally. It has been through her love of music and art that she has found strength, confidence and a way to inspire others.

From a young age, music has been her refuge. "I saw music as an opportunity to keep moving forward," Teresa said.

For Teresa, music is a way to express herself and to look toward her future with hope. She first started singing when she was 5, and by the time she was 7, she was already performing in front of audiences. The experience of singing in front of people helped build her confidence, something that was especially important, given the challenges she has faced as a burn survivor.

Teresa’s passion for music goes beyond just singing. She plays multiple instruments, including the piano, flute, guitar and accordion, each one adding a different dimension to her musical abilities. Naturally, her favorite subject in school is music, where she not only excels but also creates her own songs. She has a deep appreciation for traditional regional Mexican music, which she blends with modern influences to create a style that is uniquely her own. Despite her young age, Teresa has already performed at numerous school events, where she often sings solo.

One of her biggest sources of support has been Shriners Children’s Texas, where she has received care and encouragement throughout her recovery. "I feel so happy about Shriners Children’s, they've helped me a lot," Teresa said.

Because most of her injuries were to her face and head, Teresa was missing her hair for most of her early childhood. The past three years, she has been having tissue expanding treatments on her scalp at Shriners Children’s Texas. Tissue expansion is a process where a balloon-like expansion is created under the skin to replace scar tissue with a new area from the expanded skin. Teresa has one more expansion procedure planned for next year, which will eventually allow her to have a full head of hair.

The hospital has not only provided her with medical care but has also been a place where she has found hope and inspiration to pursue her dreams. She works regularly with Angela, the hospital’s music therapist. They often get together to work on projects in the hospital’s music studio, located inside the child life department. Recently, Teresa put on a solo performance for the hospital in the seventh floor auditorium. Many staff members and other patients dropped in to hear her sing a few songs and to cheer her on.

Looking to the future, her goals are as big as her talent. She dreams of becoming a professional performer, much like her idol, Vicente Fernández. She knows that the road ahead will not be easy, but her determination and love for music will give her the strength to keep going.