A Queens family is spearheading a fundraising effort to expand the music therapy program at NYU-Winthrop Hospital's Cancer Center for Kids. 

Therapists say music has the ability to relax and even distract patients from what can be the toughest time of their lives.

"If a child is going through any sort of procedure or health issue, they don't have choices in what's going to happen to them…but we can give them choices with music therapy," says music therapist Christine Vaskas.

Becky and Scott Freedman, of Long Island City – whose daughter was treated at the Mineola hospital – are trying to raise $40,000 the program. Donations can be made at Winthrop.org by designating your gift to “CCFK Music Therapy”, or by phone at 516-663-1565.

The money raised will go toward renovating the music room, buying new instruments and keeping the program running.