What Music Means to Justus

Music has always been a big part of Justus’ life. As a toddler, he loved belting out “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” on his toy microphone; by age three, he was already starting to sing harmonies. “He was quite the little ham,” said his dad Jason.

When Justus turned four, he was diagnosed with encephalitis, a dangerous inflammation of the brain that damaged his ability to walk, talk, and eat. As the family adjusted to this new reality, music was the thread that connected them to life “before” and “after.”

“It was hard to get Justus to focus back then,” explained his dad. “But when an instrument was played, it immediately got his attention.”

A Fearless Spirit

Though he faces a lifetime of tough therapy, Justus impresses everyone around him with his fearless spirit and can-do attitude. “He’s super-driven and works so hard,” said Phil, a MyMusicRx Specialist. “He loves to vocalize and sing along to whatever we’re doing.”

Of course, as Justus grows, his musical tastes are evolving too. “Twinkle, Twinkle” has been replaced with Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars is a new favorite.  “He loves amped-up party music,” said his dad. “That always gets a big smile.”

Justus and Family Think Out Loud for Bedstock 2015