A retreat to gain wisdom on natural healing with Sickle Cell

Mercedes Hudson Start Date: Aug 1, 2023 - End Date: Jul 31, 2024
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Puerto Rico

My Travel Story

by: Mercedes Hudson Start Date: Aug 1, 2023 - End Date: Jul 31, 2024
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Study/Degree Abroad
Hello,

My name is Mercedes and I'm excited to tell you about my desire to travel to Puerto Rico!

This trip is very meaningful to me already because I have this inner knowing that it will be life changing for myself and others. I know I will gain so much insight on how to live exceptionally well with Sickle Cell Anemia. Living exceptionally well in the Sickle Cell community includes: no crisis (or a least super managable crisis), healthy pregnancies, healthy babies, a happy stable home life (with less frequent hospital stays), making it to old age with the ability to care for self and better mental health. 

I choose Puerto Rico because that's where Dr. Aris Latham host three seperate health inspired retreats. I really appreciate his contribution to health and I put what I learn into practice daily. I've seen a major difference in my personal health which is why I would love the opportunity to learn more and get that hands on experience at  "The Sunfired Institute."

My passion derives from navigating life everyday with Sickle Cell. I also talk to many Sickle Cell Warriors (as we call ourselves in the community) about their life with SC. These conversations are very uplifting and even with the challenges of this blood disorder, we always encourage each other to take care as best as possible. The small changes make a big difference and a hopeful outlook, which gets rid of the "you're going to live a sick life" narritive is a part of what we need as a community to live well with Sickle Cell. For this reason I choose to become a certified health coach in order to learn more about my body so I can be well and teach others how to do the same.

Currently, I make a difference in the community by reminding and informing Sickle Cell Warriors that they can be the healthiest version of themselves when they choose to get back to the basics. The basics include: resting, hydrating, eating well, stretching and stress reduction. I also do giveaways when I can because I realize the importance of investing in others. I'm grateful to make a difference now and I look forward to making a difference in the future. My ultimate goal is to campaign and fundraise consistently in order to have relief money for warriors in need. I can remember being in the hospital for weeks and when I was released I immediately returned to work unhealed due to a lack of recovery time because I was stressed about bills. Last, I want to open a non- profit natural Sickle Cell Recovery Center.

All in all these retreats will afford me the opportunity to learn more about what makes humans thrive at their highest level and with that I will share, knowing that it will nuture this generations and the ones to come. 

Thank you for listening! May you be well and thrive too.

-Mercedes
  • Puerto Rico