Trish Linderman’s story is one full of heart. A Detroit-born woman, spreading inspiration and hope through her volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, through her substitute teaching position at Stockton Unified School District, and even on the pink ice at Stockton Thunder hockey games where she performs the national anthem as a Breast Cancer Survivor.
Trish was only 22 years old when she was diagnosed with Aortic Coarctation, and told she must be rushed into emergency surgery to remove and repair the blocked aorta. This news was so shaking to the young girl that she passed out right there in the doctor’s office. “It was terrifying; I believed I was going to die,” Trish remembers.
Her condition had been with her since birth, but never identified until Trish visited a doctor after experiencing hypertension. “Looking back, I now know I had always had symptoms that I ignored. I played field hockey in high school and always wondered why I couldn’t keep up with the other girls, and why my legs were so tired at the end of a game, or practice. Now I know it was because I had poor circulation to the lower part of my body.”
Her surgery proved successful, but her recovery was slow and painful, something the then 22-year-old Trish viewed mostly as an “inconvenience.” “It was winter at the time, and I spent almost 6 months recovering at my parent’s house, after being in college at Eastern Michigan University for almost three years,” she continues, “I just remember feeling like I was locked up. And I had a lingering, overwhelming fear of having a heart attack.”
From there, Trish continued on with her education. Her degree in music therapy required a six-month internship, which led her to Stockton in 1979, and she never left. ‘There were many internships to choose from, but I chose Stockton State Hospital because of its proximity to San Francisco, although I’ve got to admit, I believed it was a little closer than it actually is!” she laughs.
During her Stockton State Hospital internship, Trish worked with developmentally disabled children, later leading her to a position at Stockton’s Alan Short Center, a visual and performing arts center for developmentally challenged adults, where she worked as a music therapist, teaching choir, dance and theatre for seven years. Trish continued her work in music therapy, leading her to her husband of 33 years, Jim Linderman. “Jim is a music therapist at St. Joseph’s and started the music therapy internship program that I participated in for the medical setting experience. Since then, I’ve been involved in a variety of wonderful programs at St. Joseph’s for the past 25 years,” Trish explains.
“Volunteerism is the frosting on the cake of life, for me,” Trish smiles. Because Jim heads the programs in the Cancer Center, Trish is very active in A Treat Meant for You, a day of pampering for cancer survivors; Nourishment for the Soul, Healing in the Hills, Gathering of Friends, and the NICU (the neonatal intensive care unit).
“I’ve been participating in the neonatal program for only four months but it is one of my favorite things to do… The Nurses are very busy and if they are feeding a baby and one starts to cry, it’s difficult with only two arms. So, I sit and rock, talk to, sing to, rub their heads and help them relax. It’s a very mindful experience for me. There is nothing else to do except be present to the baby I am holding.” For Trish, St. Joseph’s is a truly unique place. “Their employees and volunteers are so passionate. They care so much for the patients they see every day, and they are all united to make an impact and a difference. I am truly blessed that my husband got me so involved.”
Trish and Jim married in 1982, and have two sons, Logan and Gavin. When her first son began kindergarten, Trish began substitute teaching for his teacher once or twice a month. Once her second son began school full-time, Trish was able to substitute at Stockton Unified on a regular basis, an opportunity that utilizes her experience in the arts, and brings her much joy.
“I just love the children, it’s the innocence that these little kids have, they love unconditionally, they are so honest and it touches my heart,” Trish continues with warmth. “They have such wonderment and excitement for life.”
“I am able to really utilize my music therapy background when I teach,” she explains, “And I can use a lot of my performing arts experience too. We use puppets in stories and do a lot of creative things the children love!”
At the end of the 2003 school year, Trish was diagnosed with breast cancer. For her, the flexible substitute teacher schedule was comfortto her, as she could receive treatment and still continue with her students. In May 2003 she had a lumpectomy and radiation. When the cancer returned, Trish underwent a mastectomy in January 2009. After a short retirement of six months, she is returning to her students at Stockton Unified School District. Aside from her strong presence in volunteerism and education, the Lindermans bring joy to us in San Joaquin on another, even more personal level; through something they call Music on the Lawn. “It’s our way of giving back to community,” Trish explains.
Each year, for the last 12 years, Trish, her husband, sons and friends perform holiday music on their front lawn every December 23 and 24th. “We pass out backup rhythm instruments to the children and we sing and play together. It’s a place for people that don’t have anywhere to go, or a place for families to share a special Christmas Eve experience together,” Trish explains. “We serve over 250 cups of hot chocolate and marshmallows each night, and we have a big treble clef lit up on our garage, so that people know it is the
music house!”
Trish’s victorious story is one truly deserved, as this strong, thoughtful woman continues to influence so many in San Joaquin County through her heartfelt work in the community; connecting people, nurturing children and inspiring others through the beauty of music.