Dvora Levkovich with Angmo Dolma, whom she sponsored for Mitral Heart Valve replacement surgery in April 2003. Dvora has participated in several HHE camps and has generously supported HHE's cause. Know more about Dvora and support her. Visit www.ddiamanteltd.com.

Rheumatic heart disease has nearly disappeared from the United States, but is still an illness that is found in remote villages of the Western Himalayas where penicillin is scarce. In medical terms, rheumatic fever is an immune reaction to certain strains of streptococcal bacteria. It is initiated by streptococcal pharyngitis—“strep throat”. Strep infection stimulates an autoimmune response in which damage may affect joints, the heart, skin, brain, and other organs. The cardiac involvement is referred to as rheumatic heart disease. Most of the damage caused by rheumatic fever is temporary. However, damage to the heart may be permanent and leads to injury to heart valves, most commonly the mitral and aortic valves. This initial damage leads to a decades long process that leaves the valves either narrowed or leaking.

Each year, participating physicians on the Himalayan Health teams have diagnosed rheumatic heart disease in patients who have little chance of surviving long term if surgery to replace or repair damaged valves is not performed in a timely manner. Since 2001, Himalayan Health Exchange has sponsored several patients for valve replacement or repair. Young patients have been flown to New Delhi’s ‘All India Institute of Medical Sciences’ (AIIMS) for surgery. Funding for these surgeries is provided by Himalayan Health Exchange and, in some cases, by team members, their families and friends.

Cherring Phunchok, a 22-year old Monk from Kungri Monastery

Initially physicians working with the Himalayan Health Exchange were unable to directly participate in the treatment of these cardiac patients once they were referred. In 2004, Himalayan Health set up a joint effort between the local health department and Asoka Mission based in New Delhi. HHE brought into Leh and Kargil government hospitals a team of 10 surgeons, cardiologists and support staff from AIIMS to perform some of the surgery closer to the Himalayan home of these patients.

The next step is to allow Project Heart to bring more extensive care closer to these patients of the Indo-Tibetan Borderlands by establishing a permanent facility in the Inner-Himalayas. This will create a home base for our on-going medical and dental camps. This new project will be initiated with support from two new non-profit organizations: The Himalayan Health Center Foundation and The Himalayan Health Center.