The Diagnosis:
Duane Vincent, also known as Mr. Smooth and Jazzy here in the Houston and surrounding areas has been singing for the past 30 years. It has been heartbreaking to find out that he was recently diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer on 9/11/2023. Duane has already had 7 appointments with specialists and undergone a biopsy, CT scan, 2 dental surgeries (urgently needed prior to radiation ) and a PET scan is scheduled for the first week of October. He has been recommended to undergo about 7 weeks of radiation treatments and chemotherapy as well along with strict dietary changes.
The Background:
Although Duane is an engineer by trade, his true passion has always been music and singing is at the heart of that passion. Duane is a loving husband and devoted father to his 11 year old son (Duane Jr.) and soon to be 14 year old daughter (Amarissa). He met his wife, Aisha, when he was singing at Clementines restaurant back in 2005. She absolutely fell in love with his voice from day one. Aisha lovingly describes her husband as "one of God’s most faithful and humble servants. One who always places others’ needs before his own, always. He is the kindest, most compassionate, understanding and selfless person you will ever meet."
Duane and his family have been through their share of storms and are no strangers to overcoming adversity. Duane lost his only older sister back in 2002. Then his only brother passed away in 2017 at which time their daughter started to experience a severe and rare autoimmune condition that would last 4 and half years. His mother is still living and will be a strong 89 years old come this November. They are gently breaking the news to her this week and are asking for your prayers for her as well.
The Why:
This family is great at a lot of things, but asking for help is not one of their strong suits. So much so that Duane is not even aware of this campaign and will probably be quite upset when he first finds out about it. Then he will quickly turn that feeling into the utmost of gratitude and start thinking of how soon he can give back to this platform, his community, family, friends and fans. The family does not yet know the impact of all of these treatments on Duane’s short-term or long-term health and his ability to keep singing. However, just as they did with their daughter’s autoimmune condition and now, they will rely on Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
The Request:
We are urgently asking for your prayers for complete healing for not only Duane but everyone going through this horrible disease, support for his medical bills for treatment and income during this difficult time. Duane is and has been a self-employed musician since the birth of their daughter back in 2009. Leaving the hectic corporate world allowed him to be there for his family at every turn, especially when their daughter got sick. He doesn’t get any holidays off or sick days or vacation days. All funds raised will go directly to cover Duane’s medical bills and the income shortfalls in the coming months. The medical bills are starting to come in and are all currently going towards their deductibles/out-of-pocket maximums.
Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
#GivingTuesday
The Blessing:
We are aware that this is a huge ask in these trying times with record high inflation. If his music, story or family moves your heart in any way, would you please consider a generous gift no matter how small the amount. Your generous donations will all be blessed by God and may He bless you in return is our prayer.
Philippians 4:19
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
The Music
Duane has recorded and released several songs on iTunes and has been working on a CD, but so much life has happened to this family over the years that it has been difficult to finish. A song that will truly touch your heart and is relevant and very much needed today is “Keep the Faith." Below is a link to some of Duane's other songs and we encourage you to take a listen and share his music with your family and friends.
Keep the Faith Song by Duane Vincent
The Gratitude
This has been overwhelming to say the least for the family and there’s just a lot of uncertainty and unknowns at this point. We are extremely hopeful and prayerful that Duane’s recovery will be quick, so he can get back to his family and singing! We thank you all for your prayers, generous gifts and sharing his story.
May God continue to bless each and every one of you and keep you healthy is our prayer!
God Bless You!
From Duane’s Family and Friends
James 1:17
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Psalm 107:21-22
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy."
#GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday2023
#GivingTwosday
#GivingTwosday2023
