This project is an homage to Afro-Caribbean culture, its richness, its wisdom, and its power to heal. It is rooted in the belief that culture is medicine, and that reclaiming it in a medical context can transform the way we experience care.

Carried Forward is a cinematic virtual reality (VR) experience that places the viewer at the heart of obstetric racism, or rather at the after effects of racism experienced throughout maternity. The narrative is centered around Phara, a young Haitian-Canadian pregnant woman living in Quebec who searches for a holistic approach to maternal care, one that makes room for cultural traditions alongside modern medicine. This immersive experience invites you to walk alongside her as she finds her way to trust in her care team, in herself, and in the Caribbean traditions that have always known how to heal.

What makes this VR experience unique?

• It lets the user explore the idea of culture as medicine through the discovery of a Haitian traditional postpartum practice (“Ben Fèy”) and Caribbean culture.
• It brings cultural practices into conversation with modern healthcare, using midwifery and doula care as a bridge between the two.
• Rather than focusing on harm, it centers healing, empowerment and trust; showing that respecting the autonomy, culture and values of Black families is inseparable from giving them good care.

Kayla Lewis-Thelusmon is a biochemist and learning designer who blends her passion for health sciences, adult education, and interactive storytelling throughout her career and life journey. She enjoys creating learning experiences that genuinely resonate with audiences while exploring, whenever possible, various aspects of her own Grenadian and Haitian heritage. Not only was the “Through Our Eyes” program her first opportunity to bring an immersive virtual reality project to life, but she also harnessed it to reclaim value for cultural practices often dismissed as “unscientific,” “less than,” and at times “barbaric” compared to Western practices. Guided by curiosity and creativity, Kayla designs refreshing experiences that contextualize knowledge and leave participants eager to reflect and exchange with others.