Healing beyond medicine: Donors make pet and music therapy possible at Baptist Health Hardin

At Baptist Health Hardin, healing is about treating the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Thanks to the generosity of donors supporting the Hardin Health & Healing Fund, patients, caregivers and staff benefit from programs and resources that nurture emotional, social, physical and spiritual well-being.

From the creation of spaces like the new pavilion’s chapel, walking paths, and the healing garden, to the introduction of innovative treatments – like pet and music therapy – this fund allows Baptist Health Hardin to move beyond standard clinical care, creating an environment where experiencing expert care, comfort and hope are each prioritized. 

One of the most touching examples of the fund’s impact is the Kira Chandler Pet Therapy Program, created in loving memory of Kira, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor at age seven. Throughout her treatment, visits from therapy animals lifted her spirits and brought moments of joy – a comfort that many patients with pediatric illness, cancer, anxiety, pain, cardiovascular disease or dementia also experience through pet therapy today. 

To honor her inspiring life and the healing power of animals, Kira’s grandparents, David and Sherry Chandler, made a heartfelt gift to establish this program. Because of their generosity, patients and families at Baptist Health Hardin now benefit from the calming and optimistic presence of certified therapy animals, which physicians can even include as part of a patient’s treatment plan. 

Donor generosity has also struck a powerful new chord with music therapy – the first of its kind for Baptist Health. Led by board-certified music therapist and Kentucky native Kaitlyn Mendoza, MM, MT-BC, the program is already transforming care across multiple departments. 

“We're able to help our patients be more relaxed, more comfortable, and have a more peaceful journey,” Kaitlyn said. 

With a master’s degree in music therapy from Florida State University, Kaitlyn tailors each session to the needs of the individual, whether it’s soothing an infant in the NICU, helping a patient cope with chemotherapy side effects, or providing peace for someone in palliative care. 

“Music therapy engages the mind, the body and the soul,” Kaitlyn explained. “So, we’re very holistic in the way that we treat our patients.” 

Sessions may include singing, playing instruments, listening to meaningful songs, or simply finding rest in melody. Patients are often surprised by the comfort they find in these experiences.

“Whenever I walk into a room, they think, ‘this music therapy girl’s coming in – I have no idea what she’s going to be doing with me.’ But once I build that rapport, they see it can be molded into whatever they need it to be,” Kaitlyn said.

Each day, Kaitlyn works with patients in the ICU, CCU, NICU and palliative care, and soon she will expand to cancer care. Already, families have shared moving stories of how music therapy eased anxiety, reduced pain, and even helped patients connect with loved ones during their most vulnerable moments. 

“I'm just incredibly grateful that the patients and families see the value in what we're doing,” she said. 

Together, pet and music therapy reflect the mission of the Hardin Health & Healing Fund: to surround patients with every possible tool for healing – medical and beyond. They show how philanthropy brings innovation and compassion directly into the patient experience. 

Every gift to the fund is an investment in people, equipping caregivers with the knowledge and support they need to deliver the best care, while giving patients and families opportunities to thrive during even the hardest days. 

“Music therapy is 100% philanthropy funded,” Kaitlyn emphasized. “Without the support of our donors and our grants, there would be no music therapy program, and there would be no opportunities for growth or expansion in any areas of our hospital.”