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Stories of resistance and empowerment
Our Healing Bells blog is a space for voices that resist, transform, and uplift. Through healing arts, musical storytelling, and co-creation, we amplify the strength of survivors of all genders; of feminists, womxn, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities.
Rooted in compassion and interdependence, each story invites empathy, courage, and reflection. From forced migration to gender-based violence, our contributors transform silence into expression, complicity into resistance, and trauma into empowerment. Join a global community grounded in social justice, creativity, and collective healing.
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Kay Hanna-DeLuca: What honeybees can teach us about community
From pollinator flowers to the hive, honeybees show us what interdependence, loyalty, and compassion mean in practice. Each bee holds a role, each gesture protects the collective. In her garden and beekeeping journey, Kay Hanna-DeLuca reflects on how tending to the hive mirrors tending to our own communities. To heal, to belong, to rise together, we can learn from the bees: support one another without hesitation, and balance thrives.
Kay Hanna-DeLuca
Sep 9, 20254 min read
My University of Michigan wrestling story, Part Two: Redemption
This blog entry by Tad DeLuca is Part Two of a series. Please read his August 19 entry first for context. From October of 2019 until...
Tad DeLuca
Aug 26, 20256 min read
My University of Michigan wrestling story: how a good thing went horribly wrong
Tad DeLuca, a University of Michigan wrestler, endured years of abuse by team doctor Robert E. Anderson, ignored and mocked by his coach. In 2018, inspired by survivors of Larry Nassar, he came forward again—this time, police found 50 others with the same story. After 45 years of disbelief, Tad finally found the redemption of being believed. His journey is one of resilience, justice, and reclaiming his voice.
Tad DeLuca
Aug 19, 20257 min read
Everyone deserves to be believed; Ni une más provides a healing community
In resonant tones we speak, “Oh believe her… she’d still be alive if you had listened.” Ni une más becomes our vow, our song against silence. This musical tribute calls us to witness, to hold survivors—with art as our compass, healing as our shared path. From Andrea’s plea to the gymnasts’ courage, from Dr. Elizabeth’s WomanSafeHealth to principles of listening, protection, and respect; this is trauma-informed care, justice, and collective belonging. We rise together.
Pamela Ruiter -Feenstra
Aug 13, 20253 min read
The Wound is Where the Light Can Enter: Finding Pockets of Joy in the Midst of Grief
Grief carries a heavy weight, especially when tied to the beauty of everyday life. In this tribute to Gaby Jaime, I reflect on our quiet Sunday traditions and the deep bond we built over time. Through Dosis de Alegría, a WhatsApp group created to share joyful moments during her final months, I discovered that even in the deepest sorrow, small joys can guide us back to hope and connection.
Yurani Cubillos
Jul 29, 20254 min read
Why lean into trauma? Ni une más.
Lew Towler, born July 21, 1925, was a WWII Seabee, music lover, and dear friend. He believed beauty heals suffering. In his 80s, we shared organ lessons, oysters, and stories of trauma and joy. His belief in others fostered deep connection. At Healing Bells, we carry forward his legacy by standing with survivors and breaking silences that perpetuate harm. In his memory, we say Ni une más—no more silence, no more violence, no more lost lives.
Pamela Ruiter -Feenstra
Jul 22, 20255 min read
Lorde & Ahmed on Silence: how other activists impact Healing Bells
At Healing Bells, we honor the legacy of arts activists like Audre Lorde and Sara Ahmed. Their voices inspire empowerment, strength, and creativity in our work. Through poetry and feminist thought, they challenge silence around gender-based violence and uplift community, social justice, and healing. This blog celebrates womxn, LGBTQ voices, and survivors—centering collaboration, co-creation, and interdependence as paths toward balance, rest, and wellbeing.
Pamela Ruiter -Feenstra
Jul 15, 20252 min read
Tree Talks at Healing Bells: where stories root and rise
Welcome to our new Healing Bells site—rooted in healing arts, musical storytelling, and creative collaboration. From Ni une más to global projects, we co-create with survivors, womxn, and the global majority to transform trauma into empowerment. Through arts activism and community interdependence, we uplift courage, empathy, and wellbeing. Join us in this movement for balance, support, and social justice—where creativity thrives, feelings are valid, and every story carries st
Pamela Ruiter -Feenstra
Jul 8, 20252 min read
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