12 Bands 12 Kids: Irianna Perkins

Source - http://www.wrdw.com/content/news/12-Bands--12-Kids-Irianna-Perkins-462851143.html

The Ronald McDonald House is home away from home for a lot of families. That's where we meet Israel Perkins.

Her baby girl Irianna was born with some of her organs outside her body. It's a rare condition, forcing her to spend weeks in Augusta.

"When I'm like sad or down and need someone to talk to, I just listen to church music, and talk to God, 'cause I know he can answer my prayers...Like, when I play the church music she has a smile on her face. She loves it," said Perkins.

Musician Kevin Scheyer is a special needs teacher at Richmond Academy. His specialty is African and Latin percussion and spreading smiles.

"We love to see kids smile. We love to see kids happy. Music changes people. It allows kids to just be free," said Scheyer.

It's like medicine for these young patients.

"And it can fit a mood. So, if I'm feeling bluesy or down I'll put on some old jazz maybe or some blues. If I'm really excited, Taylor Swift like all day long."

For Israel and her family, these musicians and this place have been a blessing.

"Thank God for the Ronald McDonald House because it allowed me to walk anytime of the day or night to go see my baby. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have been able to see her every day," said Perkins.

That is so important for those families. Sadly, little Irianna did not survive. So every day they got to spend together was very special.