“When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, ‘everything collapsed simultaneously’
When things went bad, they went bad all at once, across this entire island. Suddenly, everything was dysfunctional, including the power grid, the cellphone towers, the banking system. Even the disaster managers, the professionals in charge of responding to hurricanes, were forced to evacuate the buildings where they had sheltered during the powerful storm.” -The Washington Post
This event was more than a humanitarian crisis in a land far away… to us it was personal. My husband Jo was born in Puerto Rico and to this day many of his family members still reside there. On that list includes his elderly parents who separately live alone.
Jo’s 80-year-old Mother has been surviving in her 7th floor apartment with no air condition, no elevator and very limited resources or access to basic needs like food and water for weeks. When I asked how she was holding up she told me, ” I am making it one day at a time. The days are long and the nights are dark.”
Thankfully after 13 long days of worry with zero contact we finally heard that Jo’s 96-year-old Father is “OK”. A kind nurse in his neighborhood has been bringing him food and water. His town was one of the hardest hit and is still in dire need of the basics. My brother-in-law wrote “This is a man that served in World War II in the North African Campaign and Southern Europe. Of all the years of experience that he has, I don’t think he has ever seen anything like what he has encountered with Hurricane Maria.”
Needless to say we have felt helpless and scared in the wake of this crisis. I made the decision that even though I was unable to get there and hands on help, I had to figure out a way. What I could do is use my trade as a yoga teacher to a host a benefit to raise aid and awareness for the 3.5 millions Puerto Ricans suffering from this disaster. This is going to be a long struggle, far past the emergency efforts for the people on the island.
Please join me Sunday October 8th 6pm-7:30pm at The Hot Room Yoga & Wellness Center for a benefit restorative yoga class. The room will be warm (not hot) the class will be set to music and dim lights. All Levels are welcome!
Details & Sign-Up
If you are unable to attend please consider donating to United for Puerto Rico. United for Puerto Rico: Together Changing Paths
United for Puerto Rico is an initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló, in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María. 100% of the proceeds will go to helping the victims aftected by these natural disasters in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico needs your support. Join us and help Puerto Rico recover! Donate Here
I humbly thank you for your time and hope to see you on your mat.
With Love and hope ,
Mel
