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  MY HEART FLIES OPEN
ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS 501c PROGRAM

FOR BIPOC WOMEN AND KIDS

01

The story of this pilot program began with the death of a dear friend from COVID, but I think this story began even before then. 

02

Spring 2020, I was feeling sick and tired and despite being an acupuncture student could not afford it,  but once a month. When I received it I was reminded of its tremendous healing power. I knew many moms and kids who look like me,  were going through similar stressors, but like me could not afford acupuncture treatments. I wanted to do something to help

03

In  2020, I raised $ 2500 dollars to gift moms and kids who look like me, and on low income up to 3 free acupuncture treatments, and counseling if needed. I knew three was the magic number. 

04

I felt grateful that Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts allowed me to begin my problem for BIPOC women and children at their student clinic where I interned. 

05

Thank God, my husand Olu Derrick is a Project Manager, he encouraged me to turn what I was doing into a pilot program, so that I could keep a track of the experiences and benefit of acupuncture for the women and children

06

In the first  two months 30 free treatments were given. 90 percent of moms reported that their symptoms had reduced by 80 percent by the second treatment.  Many of the women,  and the few young people I treated stated stress and emotional trauma as one of their main issue. 

07

In 2022 I graduated from Daoist Traditions College of Acupuncture  and another gift happened Unleash the Brilliance agreed to host the pilot program as a 501c program.  

08

In the first phase of the program,  Jodie Appel, founder of the Asheville Salt Cave  and counselor Justina Prevatt partnered with the program by donating free services to the moms and kids treated.  So grateful to them. 

09

I have some interesting and exciting statistics and stories to share with you from the first phase of this program.  

10

January 2023, and second phase of the program begins, with another Go Fund Me Fundraiser. This time the program will focus on doing a pilot where moms and kids receive acupuncture treatment together. I will document the results. 

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