Welcome to the show.

In this episode of the One to One Thing podcast, I sit down with Carla Hooker, a remarkable individual whose life is defined by resilience, advocacy, and passion.

Carla shares her journey as a “Sickle Cell Warrior” and “Thalassaemia Thriver,” offering an eye-opening perspective on living with two rare blood disorders. She discusses the challenges of navigating an invisible illness, from battling stigma to advocating for adequate medical care.

Carla’s story is one of courage and advocacy. She opens up about the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding her conditions, the challenges of seeking medical care, and her determination to advocate for better healthcare access, especially in underserved communities.

We also delve into her passion for dance and her journey as a kids’ dance specialist, where she has spent over 30 years empowering children to be resilient and confident. Her dedication to creating safe spaces for children, even in challenging environments, underscores her unwavering commitment to community impact.

Key Points:

- Navigating life with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia: challenges, misconceptions, and advocacy.

- The power of redefining one’s narrative from ‘suffering’ to ‘thriving.’

- Her journey in dance education, transforming lives and building resilience in children.

- The importance of self-advocacy and community support.

The ONE Thing:

Resilience is not just about enduring challenges but about using them as fuel to inspire and uplift others. Carla’s journey shows how purpose, advocacy, and community can transform personal pain into a powerful movement for change.

Connect with Carla:

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086121026977⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/dr-carla-m-hooker-b09759228⁠

Website: ⁠https://karlaskidsdance.org⁠

Connect with Steve:

⁠https://linktr.ee/sawrightcoach⁠