Chuck Lammert has always been passionate about singing and barbershop music; he was a member of "The Ambassadors of Harmony," a four-time international gold medalist chorus, for 29 years. When he suffered a stroke that resulted in left-sided paralysis throughout his body, one of his primary concerns was whether he would be able to sing again.
Chuck arrived at On With Life in August 2023 with two main goals: walking again and regaining full function through his left arm. For three months he pushed hard in therapy to meet these goals and the day he walked again was a day of triumph. But despite all the physical work and progress he made, he was still unsure whether his voice would return. Fortunately, On With Life has a full-time music therapist who was able to help him.
“I knew it would just be a matter of time to improve his breath coordination, vocal strength, posture and overall endurance,” said Amy Bishop, music therapist.
Chuck worked with Amy closely to practice breath support and vocal exercises. They also worked on Chuck being able to stand while singing, and sometimes partnered with physical therapy for cotreatments that would help him build the endurance he would need to perform again.
“So many people had asked me if I could sing for them over those weeks,” said Chuck. “I knew my voice was better so I picked two songs to share with everyone.”
At his graduation party, Chuck stood in front of all those who helped him along his journey and sang “Somewhere There’s a Place for Us” from West Side Story and “Cherish” by Kool and the Gang. Chuck was very intentional about choosing these two songs that conveyed the challenges of his journey as well as his appreciation for On With Life staff. It was an emotional and proud moment for all those who were able to witness.