We are a group of individuals who are passionate about improving the health outcomes of rural children and young adults suffering from heart disease. Most of us are patients who have lived through the process of sickness, diagnosis, treatment and heart surgery in a setting where getting a proper diagnosis and accessing care can be challenging – especially in the rural areas.

Heart disease can be congenital, meaning born with a malformed heart, or acquired, such as Rheumatic Heart Disease, which is a result of infection such as a sore (strep) throat or rheumatic fever. We plan to use our experiences and knowledge to help others learn how to manage their condition and access resources for optimal health by raising awareness of heart disease and how to manage it in the community, and among families and individuals affected by heart disease.