We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved friend and community member Quintissa Peake.
A proud resident of Neon, KY, Quintissa was born with sickle cell anemia and dedicated her life to helping others as a community health worker, patient advocate/advisor, and health educator. She touched countless lives with her care and commitment.
Quintissa was also an active community member and served as a member of our Board of Directors. We are deeply grateful for the time, service, and love she devoted to strengthening both our organization and our entire community.
“Quintissa’s impact on this community is a consistent reminder to learn more, advocate for yourself and others, and to defy the odds,” said Tiffany Sturdivant, Appalshop’s Executive Director. “I know Quintissa as a friend and as a member of Appalshop’s Board of Directors. One of the women in this community that has given me words of wisdom, hope and love; she supported me, my projects, and dreams with insightful conversations and advice. I am so blessed I got to meet her, share space with her, make change with her. She was a champion for this community and region. Raising awareness for Sickle Cell Anemia, driving effective conversations around social and economic development for better opportunities and livelihood for local community members, being an amazing daughter, sister, auntie and friend. Never letting anyone or anything hold her back. Strength and perseverance, rooted in love. That is the legacy she leaves to all of us.”
If you’d like to learn more about Quintissa’s legacy, health advocacy, and achievements, we’ve compiled some links below.
- A passion for rural health drives new Rural Assembly Fellow Quintissa Peake – Rural Assembly
- ‘Empowered’ Letcher Co. Woman honored with EKLF’s Carolyn Sundy Award – WYMT
- Quintissa Peake’s Story – Kentucky Blood Center
We miss her already.
Rest in power, Quintissa. Your legacy will live on.