Randy Duncan, a beloved native Chicagoan and renowned choreographer, is on the road to recovery after receiving a kidney transplant this month.
For several years, Duncan has faced the challenges of chronic kidney disease and dialysis, which have significantly slowed down his once-vibrant career in dance.
The esteemed choreographer, known for his work with the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and the Goodman Theater, announced in February that he was seeking a kidney transplant to regain his strength and passion for choreography.
In an interview with Block Club, Duncan expressed his desire to return to teaching and creating dance productions, stating, “I don’t want to go through life doing dialysis. I want to get back to work, and I still have some things to say as far as choreography is concerned.”
The announcement garnered an overwhelming response from the community, with Jason Patera, the outgoing head of the Chicago Academy for the Arts where Duncan has taught since the early ’90s, noting that countless messages flooded in from potential donors including faculty, parents, and former students.
Among these generous voices was Ranada Davis, an Oak Park resident who had never met Duncan prior to learning about his circumstances through Block Club’s article.
Inspired by Duncan’s dedication to his craft and community, Davis contacted Patera and underwent medical tests, ultimately proving to be a perfect match for a kidney donation.
After months of careful planning, the two underwent successful surgeries earlier this month, marking a pivotal moment in Duncan’s journey towards recovery.
Currently, Duncan is residing at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, focusing on physical therapy as he works to regain his strength.
Once he recovers sufficiently, Duncan is eager to return to his passion for teaching and choreography, declaring, “I’ve got more stories to tell.”
Duncan’s journey into dance began on the West Side of Chicago, where he was inspired by watching Bozo the Clown on television as a child.
His career took flight in seventh grade when he landed a role in a citywide production of “West Side Story,” leading to decades of dedication and success in the field.
As an artistic director with the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Duncan has also choreographed numerous musical theater productions and contributed to the annual Dance For Life fundraiser, earning him multiple accolades, including the esteemed Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Choreography.
Despite his accomplishments on a global scale, Duncan’s commitment to his students at the Academy remains a driving force in his life.
“There’s nothing like watching them grow and develop, and to train them and to coach them and just really watch what they do and how passionate they are in becoming professional artists,” Duncan explained in February, highlighting the deep connections he has built with his students over the years.
Davis, motivated by Duncan’s dedication and the sense of community fostered within the Academy, felt compelled to reach out after reading about his kidney search.
Having been open to the idea of organ donation for some time, she had previously learned about the process from an NPR article, making her decision to help Duncan feel attainable.
“I read the story, and I was like, ‘Wow, he seems like a good person who’s doing a lot of good things for the community, and I’ll send an email and see if I might be a match,'” Davis recounted her thought process leading to her decision.
The overwhelming response from the community speaks to the profound impact Duncan’s work has had over the years, as reflected by Patera, who is astounded by the number of people willing to step forward and offer their help.
“I think Randy is genuinely surprised and so deeply moved that so many people would do this for him,” Patera remarked, emphasizing both Duncan’s significance to others and his humble nature.
Patera, who himself underwent major surgery in 2022, is keen on ensuring Duncan stays focused on his healing and does not rush back to work too soon.
“I have instructed the [school] staff to not let him know when certain things are happening, because he’ll just show up,” Patera chuckled, illustrating Duncan’s relentless spirit.
As Duncan progresses through his rehabilitation process, he’s building the strength necessary to walk independently once more.
Duncan had the opportunity to meet Davis briefly before surgery and was able to thank her afterward, expressing heartfelt gratitude for her selfless act.
“To give a complete stranger her kidney is amazing, absolutely amazing,” Duncan stated, reflecting on the generosity surrounding him.
He hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others to understand that there are still
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/27/woman-donates-kidney-to-renowned-chicago-choreographer-who-will-soon-dance-again/
