Meet Jeannette Rhymer: Our Featured Performer for "Healing Psalms: A Conversation with God"

One of the most beautiful aspects of art is the depth of storytelling woven into both the creator and their creation. Every note played, every lyric sung, carries a history—a journey of inspiration, purpose, and passion. With that in mind, we felt it was essential to learn more about Jeannette Rhymer, the heart behind the "Healing Psalms: A Conversation with God" Gospel Jazz Benefit Concert. Her commitment to music as a vessel for healing and her deep desire to give back through this event led us to sit down for a conversation. Here’s what she shared about her journey, her faith, and the meaning behind this special night.

What led you to want to coordinate this event?

“Being diagnosed with Colon cancer not once but twice in 2020 and 2023, and with the

second one being colon cancer in my right lung, I have much to give God thanks for. To

be able to sing and play music after going through, especially this second cancer

journey, which included surgery on my right lung and 12 rounds of chemo, I have a

testimony that I want to share of God’s goodness and mercy towards me. This is my

offering of thanksgiving unto him while also bringing an awareness of colorectal cancer.”

What message and or feeling do you hope to impart upon attendees?

“I would like those persons who attend the concert to leave with a feeling of

encouragement and hope. Our God is an awesome God. He will never leave nor

forsake his children once you draw near to him and call upon his name especially during

those times when you are feeling at your weakest. Don’t give up … keep walking in

faith.”

Why partner with Healing Hands Worldwide, Inc. on this initiative?

“I was introduced to Healing Hands Worldwide in 2023 by my oncologist Dr. Erole

Hobdy after being invited to one of their fundraisers. During the fundraiser, through a

testimonial presentation and speech by the Executive Director and board members, I

learned about the purpose and mission of Healing Hands Worldwide. After attending the

fundraising event I became more aware and sensitized to dire medical care needs of

women especially in our nearby Caribbean islands who are not able to afford medicine

and care for their cancer, as well as children who can’t afford to complete a high school

education due to financial constraints. I knew after attending that fundraiser that I

wanted to organize a musical concert to help donate funds to the charity, as well as

bring greater awareness to the charity and its mission.”

Tell us a little about your cancer journey and what helped you to move forward to the stunning place where you currently sit?

“I was first diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in 2020 and was diagnosed in 2023

with colon cancer in my right lung (stage 4). I am thankful to God for going before me

and for providing me, during both journeys, with the doctors and medical care he knew I

would need.”

“Dr. Hillary Woodson, Dr. Cintron, Dr. Erole Hobdy, Dr. Gilbert Commissiong, Dr. Yuri

Peterkin are all are to be commended for the excellent care given to me right here at

home in St. Thomas USVI.”

“In 2023 I was recommended for testing and lung surgery at Wake Forest Baptist

Memorial Cancer care hospital in North Carolina once my oncologist, Dr. Hobdy,

realized the possibility of the cancer metastasizing to my lung. Following the surgery, I

was able to return to St. Thomas to receive my chemotherapy under the care of Dr.

Hobdy and the medical staff at the St. Thomas//St. Croix cancer care facility in St.

Thomas USVI.”

“I am currently under a 3 month watch which means I’m tested through blood tests

every 3 months. I take it one day at a time, appreciating each moment and breath given,

and thanking God with each breath given.”

Why should folks consider supporting this event?

“Each of us have been affected one way or another by cancer whether through our own

personal journey, someone we know and love or someone we knew and loved.

Knowing how expensive medical care is for those of us with medical insurance,

imagining someone being diagnosed and not being able to afford the medicine and care

especially when it can save a life is unimaginable. If we can touch just one life then we

have made a difference in our own existence.”

Words from one of my favorite songs by Mahalia Jackson: “If I can help somebody as I

travel along, if I can help somebody with a care or something song …

If I can help somebody as I travel along… then my living shall not be in vain.”