why litehouse wellness
Baba began keeping a little roll of antacid tablets in his front pocket. Seemingly harmless at the time however, we didn’t know that heart burn causes cancer. He hoped to share his story with men, like himself, who believe erroneously in their invincibility, their ability to sustain the unsustainable.
He was only 44 when I had to explain, “dad isn’t coming home.” His passing was devastating. But soon, as Rumi once said, I would turn my pain into medicine.
In 2017 I founded Litehouse Wellness, a 501c3 nonprofit, to bridge the wellness accessibility gap for Black men, thereby transforming families and communities, using contemplative practices, preventative health education, plant-based nutrition, and birth work.
I recognize that esophageal cancer was merely a pronounced symptom of a larger issue and that the adoption of restorative practices, like yoga and mindfulness, can transform trauma and create sustainable resistance against oppressive systems and institutions. The CDC says Black men 18-35 suffer worse health outcomes than any other group and have the lowest life expectancy due to structural inequities and racism that serve as greater health determinants than healthcare access.
Therefore, in honor of Baba Groden, the many husbands, brothers, fathers and sons who, until now, found safe spaces and tools for self-healing elusive, Litehouse Wellness is my love offering.
Love and Light,
Sherri L. Doucette
Executive Director & Founder