‘Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) are heart diseases that are caused by the Streptococcus A virus. They cause inflammation of the valves in the heart. Unfortunately, it is extremely common within the indigenous community. It can also be caused by poor hygiene and overcrowding of households. It is a broad issue within indigenous populations as it is contagious and it can be contracted via the above causes which are common in indigenous communities. The treatment of both these diseases is either monthly bicillin injections or daily doses of bicillin tablets. The other, more extreme option is open-heart surgery.

I have had Rheumatic Heart Disease for the past ten years. I was diagnosed at the age of eight years old. I will have monthly bicillin injections until I am 21 years of age, then I will stop having the injections. I visit the Townsville University Hospital to have yearly consultations with my cardiac doctor and to have yearly ultrasounds of my heart to make sure that everything is running smoothly. I have changed my outlook toward my disease as I now view it as a blessing in disguise, as it has taken me to different and exciting places and I have met many amazing people along the way. I’ve gained a lot of valuable knowledge along the journey.

I have managed my disease to the best of my ability over the past ten years. I understand the risks, as I have lost a close family member of mine from a heart-related issue. It is common in my family’s medical history. It has definitely been hard throughout this past decade but I endure the pain so that I can lead a long and healthy life.

I recently met Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’ath at a media conference at The Townsville University Hospital in Term 2. I got a chance to share my story with her and thank her for donating funding to the Cardiac Ward at the hospital. I also spoke in front of everyone that attended the conference to tell them about myself, to thank the amazing doctors for their work, and to thank the minister. In 2021 I also had the privilege to attend the national symposium for RHD which was held at The Ville hotel in Townsville. I listened to some of the best cardiovascular doctors in Queensland and I asked questions to further my knowledge and understanding of my disease. I was also invited on stage to speak about my disease with my Cardiac doctor, Doctor Andre White. My disease has taken me to great lengths and will continue to do so.

I think it is extremely important to educate people on the effects of ARF and RHD as they are common diseases.

I would encourage everyone to take five minutes out of their day to read about the symptoms and early signs of ARF and RHD, and to learn how to prevent it and what to do if you are diagnosed with the disease. It is also important to get scans to check if you have the disease.

I am really passionate about the cause and cannot encourage people enough to educate themselves on these diseases and to have regular checkups.’

Continued support for RHD at Cathedral

The involvement at Cathedral in raising support and awareness for RHD stems back to 2021, with students and school nurse Renee Neilson donating 60 packs for RHD patients at the hospital. The packs included vital health and hygiene resources to combat illnesses such as strep throat, rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease.

Clinical Nurse Consultant for Rheumatic Heart Disease (Paediatrics), Felicity Dennis, is also a Cathedral School parent. Felicity is the sole nurse for the Townsville region caring for children aged 4-17 years, and the adolescent and young adult group. Felicity helps school nurses, GPs, and Primary health care centres to manage children with the disease – and care coordinates and case manages children and their families to navigate the health care system after diagnosis.

To find out more about RHD and ARF visit RHD Australia