Hey everyone!
While Lakiea and I were at the Martin Center Banquet last September, we brainstormed a REALLY big idea. What if we could bring members of the sickle cell community together for an event, a weekend in which we are learning, educating, playing with, supporting, and sharing with each other? What if we could take the online experience offline and meet the people that we have been talking to for years in person? What if?
Well after weeks of brainstorming, planning, and feedback from the members on the Sickle Cell Warriors Facebook page, we finally have enough details to share it with all of you. Please visit the Warriors Cruise 2013 Group we have created on Facebook for more information. We also have a separate video page on YouTube called Warriors Cruise 2013.
This is our dream, and I hope that you can join us. We plan to make this an epic adventure, a wonderful event that no one will forget. I’ve put some details here, and if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns; don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Hope to see you there!
Purpose
This cruise was designed to allow members of the sickle cell community (SCD Warriors, Soldiers, friends, family, caregivers, healthcare workers, advocates and allies) to gather in one place to get to know each other in a more direct manner. Our community is large. There are over 90,000 people in America living with sickle cell disease, with hundreds of thousands more dedicated to standing on the front lines with those affected. We communicate, collaborate and strategize continuously for the betterment of our community and yet many of us have never actually met face-to-face. This is our opportunity to change that. Think of it as summer camp for the grown and fabulous!
Everyone! It is our hope that this will be the first of a yearly sickle cell family reunion thus the entire family is invited. Everyone is encouraged to invite anyone whose life has been touched by sickle cell in some way. This includes friends, family, coworkers, caregivers, healthcare workers, etc. Additionally, this cruise is not limited to any particular member of the family of sickle syndromes, but is open to trait carriers, SS, SC, S-beta thalassemia, and all variations thereof.
When and Where?
After much consideration and several discussions with many of the 6000+ members of the Sickle Cell Warriors, Inc. facebook group, we have reserved a three-night cruise aboard Carnival Imagination sailing from Miami, FL (July 12th – July 15th).
Depart – Miami, FL – 4pm – July 12, 2013 (Friday)
Arrive – Nassau, the Bahamas – 10am – July 13, 2013 (Saturday)
Depart – Nassau, the Bahamas – 7am –July 14, 2013 (Sunday)
Full day at sea – Advocacy Roundtable/ Collaboration Compact – July 14th, 2013 (Sunday)
Arrive – Miami, FL – 8am – July 15, 2013 (Monday)
PRICING
Interior Cabin
Double Occupancy $359/person
Triple Occupancy $359/passenger 1 and 2; $189/passenger 3 (Avg. $303/person)
Quad. Occupancy $359/passenger 1 &2; $189/passenger 3&4 (Avg. $274/person)
Ocean View
Double Occupancy $394/person
Triple Occupancy $394/passenger 1 & 2; $199/ passenger 3 (Avg. $329/person)
Quad. Occupancy $394/passenger 1 & 2; $199/passenger 3&4 (Avg. $297/person)
Gratuities – Each passenger is required to pay $34.50 in gratuities
Taxes & Fees – $74.74
Each individual is also responsible to transportation to the cruise departure point (Miami, FL).
Having family members who suffer from sickle cell condition can be challenging if the problem is aggravated by complications. But proper care and a healthy lifestyle can make it much more manageable. My husband and two sons are affected by sickle cell trait and one of our uncles and his daughter have sickle cell disease.
I have sickle cell disase ss born with it both parents have the trait I came out with the disease. My two sisters also have the trait sickle cell has a big hold on my life it stop me from school and etc. but I am also blessed that I don’t have a port or have ever had blood transfusions
I would like to thank whom ever put this site and this cruise together, i just found it. I will not be able to have so much of this fun this year but i hope to join this group next year. This has been my most challenged year, (my parents found out 52yr ago that i was born with sickle ss)never the less Christ has/is with me thru this valley which is only a shadow. EnjoyEnjoyEnjoy!!!!!Be Safe / God shall Bless all who will take hold to being Blessed:)
any news on the nest cruise? me and my child is wanting to go since we miss it
next^*