Seizing the Day...

Hello everyone!

How are you enjoying the summer? I'm doing great, having all kinds of fun in beautiful Portland. Summer is the only time that it's beautiful and not raining in Portland, so I might as well savor it right?

I've started my exercise regimen again and this time I'm super dedicated. I'm doing a mix of yoga on alternate days with strength training and aerobics. I want to throw in some pilates as well, but I will be building up to that.

I read this super awesome book by Amy Dubois Barnett that I would love to recommend to the ladies in the house. It's titled "Get Yours" and it's an inspirational/self help that encourages you to eliminate aspects of your life that don't make you happy and really set goals and achieve them. I'm working on my affirmation list right now (will share soon) and it's inspired me to do more and clean up shop.

You can be happy in your life no matter what situation you are in, because happiness begins from within. I've met so many people with sickle cell that are the happiest people, sure they have pain, but they are radiant and full of life. I know that it can be hard sometimes when the pain gets you down, and when the negativity of the hospital admissions, and your family stress weighs on you. But part of being a Warrior is that you have to be able to deal with all the stress, and come out on top, ready to fight another day.

Please seize the day and stay happy. Find things that make you happy, take time out for you, and set goals for yourself. Sometimes the only goal that I have is to clean up a room in the house, or wake up early...it doesn't matter what your goals are; the main thing is that you are doing something everyday to accomplish them.

Okay, I'm getting off the soapbox now...off to yoga...ciao!

Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth everyone!

I'm up bright and early because Norio is in charge of organizing the music for the Juneteenth festivities here in Portland. On top of that, he's also performing! It's going to be a fun, interesting day...

Hope it doesn't rain!

Global Sickle Cell Awareness Day

The United Nations and the World Health Organization has declared June 19th World Sickle Cell Awareness Day!! We have our own day y'all.

Congratulations! Right now there is a huge festival in New York (I will be posting info in case you can make it), Cayman Islands, the ATL and all over the world.

Please continue in your efforts for increased knowledge, less stigmatization and increased public awareness with sickle cell. Every little mind that you open helps. You would be surprised how much ignorance is out there. Remember to also wear a touch of something Red. Knowing our genotype, creating an enabling environment medically and socially can also help to spread awareness.

Hug a Sickle Cell Warrior today; show your support and love!

World Sickle Cell Fest in NY!

World Sickle Cell Day Festival is June 19!!!---that's tomorrow!


Date: Friday, June 19th, 2009
Time: 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Place: Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
47th Street (Between 1st & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
Event: “World Sickle Cell Day”
with special guest Ruben Studdard (American Idol winner) and many others

The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network, (QSCAN) and Sickle Cell Thalassemia Patients Network, (SCTPN) will be participating in the “First World Sickle Cell Day Festival”.

New York City awareness activity in observance of the United Nation’s resolution, adopted by the 63rd General Assembly, that Sickle Cell Disease is a global health issue and making June 19th of each year “World Sickle Cell Day” for global awareness. The Resolution was sponsored by the Congo and co-sponsored by Brazil, Cuba and Slovenia and was presented to elevate the status of Sickle Cell Anemia as a serious public health concern affecting more than 100 million people around the world.

The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network, Inc. is a 501(c) (3), not for profit broad-based community organization servicing children and families with Sickle Cell Anemia and other chronic conditions. Established in 1989 as the Queens Sickle Cell Community Network, it subsequently became incorporated in 1997 and changed its name to the Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network, Inc. (QSCAN).

The June 19th festival is free and will feature music, food, entertainment and also special guests Ruben Studdard. The entire New York City community is invited to attend this event and support the worthy cause.

For more information contact: QSCAN at 718-712-0873 or qscanorg@verizon.net.

Road Trip...Redux

Last night was my last shift at my now old hospital. I was working there for 6 months, and even though the patients were beyond crazy, and it was like working in the trenches, I really enjoyed my contract and my 'work-cation' in Santa Barbara.

Tomorrow morning, I'm loading up the car, and driving 16+ hours to Portland to be reunited with Norio!!! YAY!. I don't plan to do it all in one day (I'm not crazy!)...especially since I don't plan on being sick for a long, loooong time.

I'm taking the coastal route, and I'm looking forward to the many stops along my road trip. I have my books on CD ready (David Baldacci rocks!), my ipod, GPS and my phone. Oh...and lots and lots of water in the car.

Hope you have a great week,

Catch ya later!

Sickle Cell Poet on Brave New Voices

This gave me goosebumps...it's like she looked into my whole experience, identified it and put it into words. I think every sickle cell warrior can totally relate.

Check it.