We’ve all been moved by a lyric or melody. Our favorite songs aren’t just etched in our minds, but also our hearts. A new study released Monday suggested that music is also being used to heal young cancer patients by providing new ways for them to cope with their illness.

According to Medical News Today, the music therapy conducted in the study was designed to help patients reflect on their experiences. Patients are encouraged to think about the things that are important to them. This information is collected through a series of projects that allow patients to create sound and video recordings. They also produce a series of storyboards to accompany the audio and visual components. The patients are then given the opportunity to incorporate their family and medical providers into their project. The patients were also asked to write song lyrics to accompany the material that they compiled.

According to BBC News, the researchers conducted the experiment with patients between the ages of 11-24 over a three-week span. Even though all the patients were undergoing difficult treatments, which involved high-risk stem-cell transplant, they saw a significant change in the patients’ behavior. For example, patients showed improved relationships with family and friends. After 100 days patients said they felt communication within their families was better and they were also we more connected with friends.

BBC News noted that these findings not only affected the patients, but also helped their families further understand what their children were going through.

“Adolescents and young people who are resilient have the ability to rise above their illness, gain a sense of mastery and confidence in how they have dealt with their cancer, and demonstrate a desire to reach out and help others,” said lead author Dr. Joan Haase of Indiana University School of Nursing,” according to BBC News.

Music videos offered platforms for young patients to feel connected and also share their emotions and journey with the people closest to them.