Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) honored a musical instrument gift request from Mahmoud Samra on August 11, 2022. He was accompanied by his mother, Safa, when the Egyptian Mijwiz instrument was presented to him. Mahmoud is an enthusiastic 12-year-old receiving treatment at the Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.
With the help of Julie Przeslicke, Music Therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital, Mahmoud was able to submit his request of this Egyptian Mijwiz, a double-pipe, single-reed instrument (sometimes referred to as a "double-clarinet") popular in the Middle East. It is predominantely used to accompany the dabkah, or line dance, at weddings and other festive celebrations. The mijwiz is one of the oldest wind instruments, with counterparts in antiquity. a musical instrument that belongs to the reed family.
Mahmoud says that he has a real interest in creating music and he intends to teach himself to play this Arabic musical instrument.
We wish Mahmoud the best of luck with his new hobby as well as his medical treatments. We appreciate the smiles we see when patients are presented with their instruments, and it reminds us of Alyssa’s own passion for music and the arts.
You can also help bring smiles to young children by going to our donation page HERE in support of our mission.
