We are working with an organization called Rheumatic Relief for our service project this year.  Rheumatic Relief helps diagnose children with Rheumatic Heart disease in Samoa. Samoa records one of the highest rates of Rheumatic Heart disease in the world. The exact reason for this is unknown. We travel with a team of heart surgeons, echo techs from the Mayo clinic, genetic researchers and students from BYU to lead a collaborative effort for early detection of the disease, treatment and education. The first time we went we noticed the students using rice sacks as backpacks and a lack of school supplies. For many being screened this can be their first time seeing a doctor so the process can be overwhelming. The excitement at the end of their treatment is the opportunity to select 2-3 books, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a water bottle and a backpack filled with school supplies. You can’t imagine the joy on their faces as they receive these things.

 

You have the opportunity to help us create that joy packaging some of the supplies and organizing and boxing the books that have been donated. Come see how quick you can box some of these items and compete with some of your friends for the best time.