Sound of music fills the lobby of Rouge Valley Centenary

The sound of a steel drum band playing holiday tunes in the lobby of Rouge Valley Centenary was sweet music to the ears of Dr. James Chiarotto last week. More than you could suspect, actually.

The reason for the big smile he wore came from the fact the oncologist's former patient, Jerry, was leading the band and looking as healthy as ever, despite several months in hospital fighting cancer earlier this year.

"It's such a pleasure to see someone return to health and enjoying himself, doing what he loves to do," Dr. Chiarotto said (pictured at right above). "It gives me chills to see this. We're all a part of this. The whole Rouge Valley team can take pride in that."

After visiting for a few minutes and playing along on one of Jerry's wooden instruments, Dr. Chiarotto was back to his duties, but Jerry's band played on. The lunch hour performance lasted nearly two hours and Jerry was all smiles performing for the hospital visitors who clearly appreciated the show as they came and went.

The show was a gift from the grateful former patient, he explains.
"I was so pleased at what happened, I wanted to give back," Jerry explains. "A lot of people missed me, playing, teaching or making drums while I was gone."