In a kind display of altruism, Vangie Ramirez recently donated her beloved piano, named “Sol,” to University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital. She hopes the piano will bring comfort and inspiration to children and families facing health challenges.

Vangie, a spirited advocate for the arts and a former University Health team member, understands the profound connection between music and healing.

“Music has a unique way of reaching the soul,” Vangie said. “It can lift spirits, provide solace and even spark creativity in the darkest of times.”

This sentiment fueled her decision to donate the piano after she and her children decided that it belonged in an environment dedicated to uplifting young lives.

Vangie's generous donation is also a tribute to her late mother, Soledad Caballero Ramirez.

“We named the piano ‘Sol’ after her. She was never fond of her name, knowing it meant solitude, but she was anything but solitary. She thrived on community and family,” Vangie said.

With nine children, Soledad’s legacy of love and connection lives on through her family, and now, through the piano that resides in a place serving women and children during their most vulnerable moments.

Vangie’s journey is marked by a commitment to health care and community service. Beginning her professional life as a flight attendant in 1977, she later transitioned into health care, eventually becoming a patient navigator for underserved populations.

“I remember hearing a harpist play in a clinic hallway, and it was a moment I’ll never forget. I want the children and families in the hospital to have similar experiences,” she said.

With the new piano, “Sol,” now installed in the Women’s & Children’s Valero Atrium, Vangie’s dream is already coming to life. Patients, visitors and team members have been delighted to hear the soothing melodies drifting through the halls – a much-needed remedy played by some talented University Health team members who help ease the overwhelming feelings often felt on stressful days in the hospital.

One of those talented people is Gail Park, a behavioral health care coordinator. Gail has played piano for the last 56 years, and a one-time performance on “Sol” during Wellness Week has transformed into a weekly piano gig, every Friday, between 3-4 p.m.

Gail said that playing on “Sol” has been one of the most gratifying experiences she has had since the first time she began playing. It has also allowed her to share extraordinary moments with patients and families visiting the hospital.

“I now have regulars who come to hear me play every week. There have been administrators, doctors, nurses, fellow social workers, techs, cafeteria workers and more,” Gail said. “One emergency room nurse calls it his spa day.”

For those looking to make a similar contribution to the community, Vangie offers her words of encouragement.

“Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative. Look for ways to use your passions and talents to uplift others. Even the smallest gesture can make a world of a difference,” she said.

As the soothing melodies from the piano continue to bring joy to people throughout the hospital, Vangie’s legacy of compassion and artistry will live on, inspiring others to find their own unique ways to heal and connect through the power of music.

For more information about how you can make an impact like Vangie, please contact University Health Foundation at Foundation@uhtx.com or visit www.UniversityHealth.com/foundation.

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