88 Keys To Help Al McKenzie & Penny Wells
Donation protected
We are dear friends of Penny Wells and Al McKenzie and they need your support today!
The Challenge
At the end of last year, Al was dealing with the symptoms of what he thought was a pinched nerve. He continued with his full schedule of teaching, performing and supporting so many people, especially the children he mentors through music. In early February, after seeking additional treatment for pain and muscle seizures, Al’s symptoms required Penny to take him to the emergency room. After several tests, it was discovered that Al had been fighting brain cancer all along. Shortly after being hospitalized, his medical team determined Al would need to undergo emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure and some of symptoms while also determining the best course of treatment. You can imagine just how challenging this path has been for Al and for Penny.
Al is facing aggressive daily chemotherapy treatment and a rigorous rehabilitation plan. Al and Penny need every bit of support they can get, both emotionally and financially.
Anyone who knows Al knows that he is one of the positive forces in this world - helpful, humble, encouraging and always there for everyone. Al has been unable to work and support his family during this difficult time. The growing medical bills and burden on Penny’s time are why your help is needed.
How You Can Help
Just as Al and Penny are always ready to rally for us, we need to rally for them. There are 88 keys on the piano and we would love to raise $8,800 or more to support Al & Penny. No donation is too small, so please help in any way you can. Al and Penny are doing everything they can so he can get back to work, spend time his students, perform with his friends and spend time with his family.
Funds will be used for medical bills and related costs during Al’s medical treatment. Your prayers for healing and comfort for Al and Penny are welcome. Please share this call for support on your social media pages and with others who may be moved to help Al & Penny.
Thank you so much!
Al McKenzie: An Incredibly Talented Man Dedicated To Filling This World With Music & Joy
Al McKenzie’s musical endeavors are as diverse as his musical interest. From conducting the Buffalo Symphony to teaching jazz music to youth sponsored by his non-profit organization In-Accord, Al has embraced music since his earliest days.
Al was born August 20, 1961 in Detroit, Michigan. Being born into a supportive and musical family, it was only a matter of time before Al accepted his fate as a musician. With his mother having a piano in the house, he took to the piano at a very young age. Recognizing his talent and interest, his parents quickly found him a teacher. In a very short period of time, he began playing in the church and gained the title of "Child Prodigy". He surprised everyone by being able to play a host of instruments with ease and proficiency.
Always focused on bringing the love of music to children, more than 15 years ago, Al opened McKenzie Academy of Music, a music school located in Southfield and staffed it with professional musicians to teach.
Al has always been unafraid to meet the challenges of his demanding music menu. His career and credits read like a who’s who of music. The Spinners, Ali Woodson, Jean Carne, The Four Tops, Mary Wilson, Penny Wells, Norman Conners, The Supremes, The Contours, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Holiday, Kim Weston and Anita Baker are some of the artists Al has worked with. His quest for new challenges rewarded him with the opportunity to become the Music Director for Motown Records crown jewel, The Temptations.
Al is an incredibly talented musician and one of the most caring and compassionate people in our lives.
The Challenge
At the end of last year, Al was dealing with the symptoms of what he thought was a pinched nerve. He continued with his full schedule of teaching, performing and supporting so many people, especially the children he mentors through music. In early February, after seeking additional treatment for pain and muscle seizures, Al’s symptoms required Penny to take him to the emergency room. After several tests, it was discovered that Al had been fighting brain cancer all along. Shortly after being hospitalized, his medical team determined Al would need to undergo emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure and some of symptoms while also determining the best course of treatment. You can imagine just how challenging this path has been for Al and for Penny.
Al is facing aggressive daily chemotherapy treatment and a rigorous rehabilitation plan. Al and Penny need every bit of support they can get, both emotionally and financially.
Anyone who knows Al knows that he is one of the positive forces in this world - helpful, humble, encouraging and always there for everyone. Al has been unable to work and support his family during this difficult time. The growing medical bills and burden on Penny’s time are why your help is needed.
How You Can Help
Just as Al and Penny are always ready to rally for us, we need to rally for them. There are 88 keys on the piano and we would love to raise $8,800 or more to support Al & Penny. No donation is too small, so please help in any way you can. Al and Penny are doing everything they can so he can get back to work, spend time his students, perform with his friends and spend time with his family.
Funds will be used for medical bills and related costs during Al’s medical treatment. Your prayers for healing and comfort for Al and Penny are welcome. Please share this call for support on your social media pages and with others who may be moved to help Al & Penny.
Thank you so much!
Al McKenzie: An Incredibly Talented Man Dedicated To Filling This World With Music & Joy
Al McKenzie’s musical endeavors are as diverse as his musical interest. From conducting the Buffalo Symphony to teaching jazz music to youth sponsored by his non-profit organization In-Accord, Al has embraced music since his earliest days.
Al was born August 20, 1961 in Detroit, Michigan. Being born into a supportive and musical family, it was only a matter of time before Al accepted his fate as a musician. With his mother having a piano in the house, he took to the piano at a very young age. Recognizing his talent and interest, his parents quickly found him a teacher. In a very short period of time, he began playing in the church and gained the title of "Child Prodigy". He surprised everyone by being able to play a host of instruments with ease and proficiency.
Always focused on bringing the love of music to children, more than 15 years ago, Al opened McKenzie Academy of Music, a music school located in Southfield and staffed it with professional musicians to teach.
Al has always been unafraid to meet the challenges of his demanding music menu. His career and credits read like a who’s who of music. The Spinners, Ali Woodson, Jean Carne, The Four Tops, Mary Wilson, Penny Wells, Norman Conners, The Supremes, The Contours, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Holiday, Kim Weston and Anita Baker are some of the artists Al has worked with. His quest for new challenges rewarded him with the opportunity to become the Music Director for Motown Records crown jewel, The Temptations.
Al is an incredibly talented musician and one of the most caring and compassionate people in our lives.
Organizer and beneficiary
Renaissance Unity
Organizer
Warren, MI
Penny McKenzie
Beneficiary