Monday, September 22, 2025
PHILADELPHIA (September 22, 2025) — Highmark Blue Shield collaborated with Jefferson Health and The Met to host its second Rhythm & Flow event on September 16, 2025. This unique experience honors the intersection of music and art with physical and mental health. It aims to break down stigmas and promote access to creative outlets that support healing.
“Highmark is deeply committed to the well-being of our communities, and recognize that true health encompasses the physical, mental, and social aspects of life. We are proud to offer this music-as-therapy experience and provide a safe space for creative expression,” said Ken Lawrence, senior vice president of corporate affairs for Highmark Blue Shield in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Young adults receiving care from Jefferson Health and their guests, about 50 in all, participated in the activity — painting personalized album covers, which were pressed onsite in the Grand Salle Lounge of The Met. These individuals are part of a support group organized by Jefferson Health for young adults with cancer diagnoses. Highmark then surprised participants with their own portable record players and records pressings of their personally selected playlists of uplifting and inspirational songs.
“My first time talking about my cancer journey has me energized and inspired to do more,” said Megan Swindro, assistant director of development for Jefferson Health, who spoke about her own health and healing journey to attendees. “I didn’t expect to be a young person diagnosed with cancer. What I also wasn’t expecting was how emotional it is to have cancer. Prior to diagnosis, I considered cancer a physical disease, but no one talks much about the emotional toll, the weight of every treatment decision, the burden of “scanxiety”, the excruciating limbo of awaiting results, and the heaviness surrounding recurrence.”
Swindro emphasized the positive power of hope, connection and creative outlets, on the cancer journey. She called out the Cancer Support and Welcome Center at Jefferson as an integral hub for her healing process.
Food and themed mocktails were served while Mic’dUp Philly’s Jazz Band performed live throughout the evening.
About Highmark Blue Shield
Highmark Inc., doing business as Highmark Blue Shield, protects Pennsylvania individuals and families with a range of high-quality, affordable and reliable health insurance solutions. As the only Blue Shield licensee in Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield has a long and successful history of delivering remarkable experiences in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Federal Employee Program. Highmark Blue Shield earned a Brand Excellence Award from the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, in recognition of its efforts in building brand strength and providing superior customer service, solid financial performance and enrollment growth. Highmark Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
For more information, contact
Denée Crumrine
Highmark Delaware
denee.crumrine@highmarkhealth.org
