College of Osteopathic Medicine performs annual Christmas event Dec. 8

 Nearly two years ago, Kristen and Christopher Breedlove of Liberty’s College of Osteopathic Medicine were pacing around the parking lot discussing ways to support a student whose family had experienced a tragic accident. The Osteopathic Merry Melodies quickly became the solution to their burdened hearts. 

A Christmas event like none other, Osteopathic Merry Melodies is a talent show, comedy act and night of celebration where the staff and students come together outside of the classroom to enjoy a night of laughter. 

 Caroline Cummings | Liberty news service 
MERRY — The event features light-hearted, festive performances from faculty and staff. 

“(We wanted) something where LUCOM’s faculty and staff could be a blessing to the students, all of them, and specifically this one student,” Christopher Breedlove said. 

With all the proceeds benefiting that student in need, the Osteopathic Merry Melodies was a huge hit, although there were no plans for the event to become an annual show. After lots of encouragement, and little bit of begging from the students, the Breedloves decided that the show must go on. 

Kristen Breedlove directs the show filled with performances by LUCOM’s faculty and staff. This year’s theme is a variety act with a Vaudeville twist. 

“Before TV, people used to pay 10 cents and go into a theater and watch variety acts from the circus performers to the artisans, the musicians to the magicians, singers and acrobats, and I said, ‘Let’s do something like that’,” Kristen Breedlove said. “We are incorporating a lot of Charlie Chaplin and 3 Stooges in to it with a very ambitious opening act.” 

Osteopathic Merry Melodies has a bit of everything from a lighting crew and sound engineer and special effects to make this event the highlight of everyone’s year. 

“We are bringing out all the stops this year,” Kristen Breedlove said. “It’s the real deal.” 

The goal for all of the performers behind the show is to bring laughter and something to look forward for LUCOM as the semester grinds to a halt. 

“Not only for the students is it really difficult to be at medical school, but it’s also very demanding for the faculty and staff,” Kristen Breedlove said. “They put their hearts and souls into LUCOM, and they have a lot of talent and it’s neat to bring out those talents and then laugh when it’s really needed or when stressed.” 

 Caroline Cummings | Liberty news service 
GIVE — The event was born when the Breedloves wanted to support a student and his family. 

The philosophy of osteopathic medicine is mind, body, mind and spirit, which the Breedloves explained was a huge factor for continuing the show in the spirit of unity and community. 

“We need to do this for the students,” Kristen Breedlove said. “We need to do it for their mind, body, spirit and wellness of the medical school. It’s not only wellness for the students, but the faculty and staff as well.” 

Tickets will be sold at the door on Dec. 8 at the LaHaye Event Space or at LUCOM all this week for $5/ticket. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be outside the event space the night of the performance for pictures and the show will start at 6:30 p.m. During intermission show attendees can enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate. 

“There are going to be students that don’t remember a certain exam or a standardized patient encounter, but they will remember Osteopathic Merry Melodies always,” Kristen Breedlove said. 

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