Inside the Arc – HAPPY NEW YEAR, LILY WOO
In the traditional Chinese Calendar 2025 is the Year of the Snake so it’s appropriate that this story contains several twists and turns, ranging from the New York Skyliners, 9/11, the Major Deegan Expressway, and a kidney. As an added bonus in trying times, it even features a happy ending.
Lily Woo’s Drum Corps story begins in 1959 when she joined the New York Crimson Kings, the notable Asian-American group formed in Chinatown in the ‘50s. She was a baton twirler then, eventually rising through the ranks to become the organization’s director in 1970. She was barely 20 years old.
Lily Woo as drum major for the Crimson Kings
She went on to perform with the NY Skyliners as a mellophone in in the early ‘80s, then took some time off for motherhood, returning later in the Honor Guard and as assistant Drum Major. Somewhere in the middle of all this Lily became the Principal of PS 130 in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
Amid the chaos of 9/11, many parents could not get to the school to retrieve their kids. Lily stayed on site for 3 full days of smoke and debris, caring for the students until all were safely home. Because of its proximity to the tragedy, PS 130 had also become a triage center. President Bush later delivered a speech there, praising Lily’s heroism.
In 2002, with help from Skyliner snare Harold Barber, she founded the Spirit of 130 Fife & Drum Corps as a recovery project for the students, instructed today by John C. Smith (Caballeros), Linda Smith and Keri Ann Prete. After 23+ years they’re still rocking the neighborhood.
Seven years ago, a serious health issue emerged. Lily needed a kidney transplant. The list is a long one, and finding a willing donor who matches is a complicated process. After five agonizing years, Lily received a kidney from a deceased organ donor…but it failed to function. The search resumed.
Lily Woo today
A few months ago, Samantha Marks, an alumna of the Bunell HS Marching Band, was stuck in traffic in the Bronx when she happened to spot a billboard. “Lily Woo needs a kidney”, it proclaimed, “Save her life”. Something clicked. She was the right blood type. She went home and clicked the link.
After the requisite testing and other protocols were complete, the surgery was scheduled. This time…success. Both women are now home making full recoveries. God bless you, Samantha Marks, and Happy New Year, Lily Woo!
To view a network news item about Lily click:
If you know anyone who needs a transplant or wants info on donating click:
P.S. Don’t be surprised to see Lily on mellophone with the Sky Alumni later this year. The woman is un-stoppable.
The PS 130 Drumline with John C. Smith
