After giving her voice to the Bahamas, Dr. JoAnn Callender is asking for help in her next fight
For more than six decades, Dr. JoAnn Deveaux Callender has used her voice to lift others. Now, her family is asking the community to help lift her through another fight.
The celebrated Bahamian soprano, educator, composer and playwright has been diagnosed with a pituitary macroadenoma, a brain tumour pressing against her optic nerves and already causing significant vision loss.
Her medical team has advised that she urgently undergo surgery followed by radiation treatment to preserve her eyesight and protect her future.
Her family is seeking to raise $65,000 CAD, approximately US$46,696, to help cover surgery, radiation, medication, travel, rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
But for those who know Callender, this is about giving back to a woman who has spent much of her life giving to others.
“Today, she needs us,” her daughter, Jody Knowles, said in an emotional appeal for support.
Callender has been a significant figure in Bahamian music and culture, recognized as one of the country’s leading operatic sopranos and honoured as a Bahamian Icon for her contribution to the arts.
Her voice has taken her around the world, including a performance for Queen Elizabeth II. She has represented the country across the Caribbean, North and South America, Spain, Dubai, London and beyond.
As an educator and adjunct faculty member at the University of The Bahamas, Callender mentored generations of young artists, encouraging them to pursue excellence while embracing and preserving Bahamian culture.
She has also performed across churches, concerts, national celebrations and cultural events, helping introduce audiences to the richness of Bahamian music.
And this is not her first battle with cancer.
Five years ago, Callender was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. She later shared that deeply personal journey through “Breastless Beauty,” a book of poetry and photography documenting her experience, resilience and triumph over adversity.
Now, her family is facing another difficult chapter.
Knowles describes her mother as someone who has always encouraged others to become the best versions of themselves.
“If she has ever inspired you through her music,” she said, “if she has ever performed at your church, your concert, your wedding, a national celebration or a cultural event…”
“If she has ever encouraged your child, mentored a young musician, or made you proud to be Bahamian—we humbly ask you to stand with her now.”
To help, click here: GoFundMe
