Women Helping Women concert

by Alison Qualter Berna

My unbelievably generous mother-in-law, Dr. Maria Boria, started a women’s health clinic on the Eastern Shore of Maryland 10 years ago this month. Over the last 10 years, she has worked entirely for free, providing health care to the poorest of citizens, mostly to the uninsured and to many of the immigrants who work the farms in her rural community.

Dr. Maria Boria with granddaughters, Madeleine and Sydney Berna

Her selfless acts prompted Carla Massoni, a big hearted art gallery owner in town, to organize a benefit concert 10 years ago at The Garfield Center for the Performing Arts in Chestertown, MD. The proceeds each year have gone to basic medicine and supplies that are needed to continue the clinics.

 

This past Wednesday, Mach 18th, we celebrated Maria’s incredible spirit at another sold out event, the 10th annual Women Helping Women concert. Our daughters Madeleine and Sydney were extremely proud to be an integral part of the ensemble of 25 musicians and artists who played music, read poetry and sang original songs.

Sydney Berna performing "Rainbow Connection"

Madeleine Berna performing "Stay"

I’m super proud of my two girls who, at 9 years old, walked up on that stage without sheet music and played and sang as if there weren’t hundreds in the crowd. The songs they chose to play and sing brought hope and soul to the event, and I sit in awe of them! 

To see Sydney play and sing The Rainbow Connection, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jj_zYinZU4

To see Maddie play and sing Stay by Rihanna, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOfw7mkbYXA

The event ended with the benefit’s theme song written by Pam Ortiz, reminding us that angels don’t always have wings…they are often right here with us, with two feet firmly on the ground.