Dorsey relied upon on his faith and overcame the immediate health scare, with help of a great team of physicians and the support of his family as well as the brotherhood within the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club Inc. Although Dorsey was out of the woods, he knew that some serious lifestyle changes would have to be made and that his journey to wellness, would take some work. 

Upon recuperating at home, Dorsey was prompted to visit the AARP website. It was there that he discovered a wealth of health resources and a community that shared his new commitment to wellness. He also learned that AARP offered much more than a membership card for senior citizen discounts.  As he embraced the lifestyle changes provided in the resource information and engagement platforms of AARP, he gained a renewed feeling of vitality, one that he would need as he prepared for the 2024 “Carnival Season” in New Orleans. 

Dorsey shared that as a teenager, he would often express that he wanted to one day ride as a character, in the illustrious Zulu parade on Mardi Gras day. Therefore with much excitement, in May of 2023, Edward Dorsey III campaigned to make that dream come true and was elected by the membership of the Zulu Social Aid Pleasure Club Inc. to represent the organization during the 2024 “Carnival Season” as the Zulu Witch Doctor, a wise and colorful Zulu character, that prays for the health and safety of its members and revelers as well as for good weather for all activities on Mardi Gras day. 

When asked about his health and living life today, Dorsey stated: “My overall health journey has been a transformative one that has brought me great joy. And, with all that I’ve learned from AARP, I can honestly say that I’m having the time of my life and I am ready to take the ride of my life, with vigor. But, what makes it all so extra special, is that I’m able to do so with my beautiful daughter, Keisha Lorraine Dorsey, accompanying me as Witchtress every step of the way”.

*Photography by ASolid Photography