Our Stories
The consequences of rheumatic heart disease aren’t limited to those living with the disease, they’re felt by entire communities. These are their stories of courage, persistence and hope.
Sophie’s story: when acute rheumatic fever isn’t just common, it’s expected
Dr Sophie Collins can clearly remember the sense of injustice she felt when she came across a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) – a...
Billi-Joh’s story: diagnosed with RHD aged eight
Meet Billi-Joh. She's 15 years old, and lives in a remote Aboriginal community at the top of Western Australia. Like many teenagers, her mum says...
Carol’s Story: Losing A Parent To RHD
Carol Michie’s mother Elizabeth was one of eight siblings born on East Arrernte (Aranda) land, near Alice Springs. After being diagnosed with...
Margie’s Story: Parent To A Child With ARF
When Liana complained of a sore foot and showed signs of a fever, her mum Margie rushed her to hospital. An X-ray of her foot revealed no obvious...
Sarah’s Story: Living With RHD
At 12 years of age, Sarah* was flown out of her community after a week of feeling unwell, breathless and with rapidly beating heart. She was...