Introduction to Yvonne Huntley’s Story
Yvonne W. Huntley (Photo Provided)
Government officials, medical professionals, civic and community leaders are gathering themselves to advocate for a woman of distinction, selflessness, and a music legend in a kickoff of a nationwide public relations campaign. Yvonne W. Huntley, considered by many as one of the nation’s top pianists, is now in the fight of her life as she seeks a kidney that will allow her to continue her remarkable life of providing beautiful music. Her current kidneys are functioning at an alarmingly low rate.
A Lifetime of Music and Education
Yvonne, who resides in Chicago’s Lake Meadows community, is an amazing 88-year-old classical pianist and still has more work to do in her community. She continues to have the desire and drive to share her love for music with others and make a difference in her community. However, her health is a concern, notably her kidneys. Her kidney transplant team at The University of Chicago has examined her, and she is ready to undergo kidney transplant procedures. She is resilient and ready, with an everyday focus on keeping her physical strength in the best condition she can. She has been a role model in the music community for decades. She continues to be a ray of sunshine and hope to our next generation of classical music pianists. A donor’s gift of life ensures that Yvonne’s music can continue to uplift generations.
Early Life and Career
With a love for music, Yvonne began taking piano lessons at the early age of 5 in Harlem, NY. From there to around the age of 14, her teacher was so inspired by her musical abilities and excellence that she wanted to help others instill a love for music that she employed Yvonne as her teaching assistant. Years later, after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, Yvonne married and began instructing a few students in her private studio in Washington, DC. From there, she traveled with her husband to New York and continued her work as a music educator in the New York Public Schools. As life advanced, she and her family moved to Milwaukee, WI, where she continued her business as a piano instructor in her private studio and earned her Master of Arts degree in musicology from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. During this time, she also joined the teaching faculty at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, where she actively instructed students of all ages for over 20 years. While in Milwaukee, she became active in the various professional music organizations that continued to fuel her love for music and strengthened her as an exceptional music educator.
Teaching Experience and Legacy
Her teaching experience also encompasses work at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Community Music School and her latest employment of 19 years at Sherwood Community Arts School as part of Columbia College here in the City of Chicago. While her health has made it challenging to continue working at the school, the desire and passion remain. In all these organizations, she instructed students with varying skill sets and shared her passion for music with them all. To have her students strive for the best and instill a love of music in themselves, she encouraged and prepared many of them to compete at local and national piano competitions, many of which she then went on to serve as a judge herself.
Support from Community Leaders
Given her strong subject matter knowledge of music and, of course, her passion, Yvonne was asked by many institutions of higher learning to serve on their faculties as an adjunct professor. Thus, she taught at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Cardinal Stritch University, and Milwaukee Area Technical Colleges, respectively.
Ms. Huntley is also receiving support from Jack Lynch, who is considered by many to be the utmost advocate of transplant medicine. Mr. Lynch is commonly known for developing and maintaining communications that promote organ and tissue donation within selected community groups and hospitals.
“There could be no better scenario in promoting organ donations than to advocate for people who are yet challenged in hopes of receiving a kidney. Ms. Huntley represents thousands of patients who are at the mercy of the public in offering themselves for testing. She has been in this fight for some time. While it may appear that time is not on her side, we are yet hopeful that a loving person will come forth and clear testing.” says Mr. Jack Lynch.
Call to Action
“Ms. Huntley has been a true pillar of support for so many lovers of classical music throughout the nation, particularly for women of color. She has much to do with the upward mobility of the African American experience as anyone. We are banding together in her fight for life but also to bring awareness to the entire benefit of organ donations. In addition, our hope is to educate the public concerning the challenges that many African Americans face when in need of an organ donation. “says Rich Township Supervisor and Democratic Committeeman Calvin Jordan.
Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin adds, “Ms. Huntley is such a Stallworth in the classical music industry and has been steadfast in her advocacy for women. She has given so much of her time and energy in the promotion of classical music. It is now due time that we stand with her, fight with her, and win with her!”
Conclusion
Yvonne Huntley has spent her life teaching music to New York, Milwaukee, and Chicago’s adults and children and performing for the world. Now, she needs a kidney donor to continue her legacy. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about donation, contact her transplant team today. Together, we can ensure her music never stops. This campaign leverages Yvonne’s profound impact on music education, her ties to Black cultural institutions, and Chicago’s vibrant arts community to find a donor. By celebrating her resilience and artistry, it transforms a medical need into a collective mission to honor a living legend.
FAQs
Q: How can I help Yvonne Huntley find a kidney donor?
A: You can help by spreading the word about her need for a kidney donor and by encouraging others to consider donation. You can also email your information to shwspeaks@gmail.com to get involved.
Q: What is the process for becoming a kidney donor?
A: The process for becoming a kidney donor typically involves a series of medical tests and evaluations to determine if you are a suitable match for the recipient.
Q: How can I learn more about organ donation?
A: You can learn more about organ donation by visiting the website of the National Kidney Foundation or by contacting your local organ procurement organization.
Q: How can I support Yvonne Huntley during this time?
A: You can support Yvonne Huntley by keeping her in your thoughts and prayers, and by considering donation if you are able. You can also help by spreading the word about her need for a kidney donor and by encouraging others to consider donation.
