Help Edwin Huizinga Heal: Supporting a Beloved Musician Through Cancer Treatment

Our dear friend, Edwin Huizinga—world-class violinist, professor, artistic director, and one of the most generous souls we know—has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Classic Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At 41, this 6'5" gentle giant with the biggest spiritual heart is facing a 6-month chemotherapy journey, and we're asking his community to wrap around him with love and practical support.

Who is Edwin?

If you know Edwin, you know magic. Whether he's performing baroque violin with ACRONYM or Tafelmusik, jamming Celtic fiddle tunes in an Irish pub, playing with Yo-Yo Ma or Stevie Wonder, teaching the next generation at Oberlin Conservatory, directing the Sweetwater Music Festival, or serving as Director of the Baroque and Classical Academy at the Carmel Bach Festival—Edwin brings full presence, deep artistry, and pure joy to everything he touches.

Edwin's career has taken him around the world—from concert halls in Europe and Asia to folk festivals, from recording studios to working with children in at-risk neighborhoods through the From Violence to Violins program, to teaching at the Big Sur Fiddle Camp for young musicians, to developing a program and performance with the San Francisco Girls Choir. He has collaborated with countless local artists to produce many performances and recordings, including the Overlapping Halos: The Poetry of Hafiz album in which his violin became pure prayer; Poetry in Motion, where he helped create a work combining poetry, aerial movement, and music; and performing the premiere of a concerto, "Big Sur," composed by John Wineglass.

You may also know Edwin from his collaboration with William Coulter in the duo Fire & Grace - they have made 3 gorgeous CD’s and have toured from Santa Cruz to NY to Ireland to New Zealand.

For 20+ years, Edwin has been an integral part of the Carmel Bach Festival, one of the most prestigious early music festivals in the world. His commitment to this festival mirrors his commitment to everything he does—showing up season after season, bringing excellence and heart, building something enduring and beautiful.

He's the kind of musician who founded Classical Revolution to bring chamber music into bars and cafes, making beauty accessible to everyone. He's the professor who started a fiddle ensemble at Oberlin because he believes in crossing boundaries and honoring all musical traditions. He's the friend who shows up, listens deeply, and makes you feel like the most important person in the room.

What's Happening Now?

Edwin began a 6-month chemotherapy protocol this fall. Recently, his white blood cell count dropped too low, and an infection was discovered—forcing them to postpone his second treatment while working to get his count back up. This is the reality of chemo: unpredictable, exhausting, and requiring Edwin to step back from the touring, teaching, and music-making that sustains both his spirit and his livelihood.

How You Can Help

We're raising funds to support Edwin through this healing journey:

Medical bills: Insurance doesn't cover 100% of treatment costs, and bills are already piling up—over $7,000 just from the first 6 weeks, with many months ahead.

Household help: Monthly housekeeping and support so Edwin can rest and focus on recovery.

Lost income: Touring and performing opportunities Edwin cannot fulfill during treatment.

Alternative medicine: Acupuncture, nutritional therapy, supplements, and holistic support are not covered by insurance.

Unexpected costs: Additional medical expenses, travel to appointments, and the inevitable surprises that arise during a 6-month treatment journey.

Our Goal: $75,000

This may seem like a lot, but for a 6-month journey with all these needs—and the reality that healing doesn't end when chemo does—it's what's truly needed.

From Us:

Edwin has given so much to so many. He's taught thousands of students, brought joy to countless audiences, built communities wherever he goes, and shown us all what it means to be a pure artist with a generous heart.

Now it's our turn to hold him.

If Edwin's music has moved you, if his teaching has shaped you, if his friendship has blessed you, or if you believe in supporting artists and humans in their time of need, please consider contributing. Every gift matters. Every share matters. Every prayer and good thought matters.

Let's surround Edwin with the same beauty, generosity, and love he's given to the world.

With deep gratitude,

Rachel, William, John K & Deva

Beloved, Friends, collaborators, and believers in Edwin's light