Spotlight: M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital volunteer provides free harmonica lessons

When Mike Hinderscheid took up the harmonica as a teenager, he had no idea that he might later use his skills to help children facing conditions like cancer and heart failure. But today, Hinderscheid brings smiles to the faces of M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital patients and siblings by providing free lessons. We asked Hinderscheid to share some highlights of his experience in this unique volunteer role!

Why are you passionate about your volunteer work?

It is such a blessing to meet the kids and see them enjoy and experience playing the harmonica. I love that for a short time, they forget why they are there.

What is one of your favorite memories from your work as a volunteer?
I was able to give a second lesson to a teenage girl, and it was great to see how much she progressed since the first lesson I had given her. I also enjoy when I hear the kids playing their harmonicas on their own after I leave their room.

What do you love about being part of the M Health Fairview community?
I enjoy being part of a community that really loves and cares for the kids that they serve.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?
I work for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage as a Quality Assurance Analyst

Tell us one surprising or interesting fact about yourself.
When I was a teenager, I spent Thanksgiving weekend at Ray Kroc’s ranch in California. Ray Kroc was the founder of McDonalds, and his nephew was a childhood friend of mine.