DuPage Care Center Choir Sings Their Hearts Out Virtually: Video

WHEATON, IL — While intern Ashley Helmi was working at DuPage Care Center, she started a choir to bring joy to some of the residents. After the statewide new coronavirus shutdown nearly forced the choir to end, Helmi switched gears to create a virtual choir.

Helmi, who is studying recreation therapy and music at Indiana State University, told Patch there were "no 'try-outs' or restrictions on who could join [the choir]; if they love music they could join." Helmi said she and another recreation coordinator met with the residents biweekly to practice singing and dancing.

She told Patch, "[The residents] loved being apart of a group and having a place to have fun without worrying about judgment."

The plan was to have a concert for family and friends of the resident. That all changed when the coronavirus shutdown hit, but Helmi had other ideas.

She told Patch the video is a way for "Their loved ones who are unable to visit with them also have an avenue to see them and know they are doing ok."

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Helmi told Patch she chose "Stand By Me" because "It talks about kindness and love for one another and I wanted this video to be a positive light in all the negativity out there in the world now. We are all standing by each other emotionally to get through this time and will soon be together with friends and family again."

The video of the choir's performance was shared on DuPage Care Center's Facebook page and has since been shared more than 130 times. Helmi told Patch she hopes the video will help remind people that "Together we can get through anything."

She added, "Remember to be kind to one another and stand by each other in any way possible."

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 9: 15,078 Cases; 462 Deaths