Bhutanese Stroke Survivors Find Support in a New CSO

Dawa Tshering was like any other Bhutanese citizen, working hard and taking care of his family until his 32-year-old wife Rinchen suffered a stroke in 2019. They were at home when his wife complained of a headache and started throwing up. So, they called the astrologer to do a reading—it was only after seven hours that they decided to take her to the hospital where the doctors diagnosed her with a stroke. Dawa and his family were clueless and despite their best efforts, it was already too late by the time they reached the hospital. The first four hours are the most crucial time for stroke patients. Rinchen suffered loss of speech along with sensation in her right hand and therefore, she couldn’t even go to the bathroom by herself or eat. Rinchen continued to struggle completing daily tasks and Dawa felt helpless. 

From that moment on their lives were forever changed. Though healthcare services are free in Bhutan, Dawa realized that many are not aware of the full scope of the financial, social, and economic burdens that come with the disease. What’s more, even fewer people are aware of how common strokes are. 

According to the World Health Organization, 17 million people suffer from strokes each year. It is also the leading cause of disability. However, many cases go untreated and unrecognized due to a lack of awareness, training, and treatment options available. With this in mind, Dawa Tshering established the Bhutan Stroke Foundation in 2020.

 

Their mission is to strive for a stroke-free Bhutan by creating awareness and supporting stroke survivors and their families. Despite starting the organization in the midst of the global pandemic, the Bhutan Stroke Foundation has already made a great deal of impact. They are working with local groups, supporting families and stroke survivors with counseling and vocational training, and teaching courses on stroke and stroke prevention. The group is well on its way to making a difference in the lives of Bhutanese people. 

That’s why we at the Bhutan Foundation are partnering with the Bhutan Stroke Foundation to support their work. Today, which is globally recognized as World Stroke Day, we’re asking for your support to raise $5,000 to help fund their mission. With your donation, the Bhutan Stroke Foundation will host educational events, carry out counseling sessions for families of stroke survivors, and raise awareness to help prevent strokes in Bhutan. 

Join us to help support the Bhutan Stroke Foundation and make an impact on the lives of survivors and their families today. 

Share This Post

Help share our latest news and updates with your network.

Subscribe Now

Get inspiring stories, project updates, and opportunities to make a difference.

Latest News, Updates & Announcements

12th Jomolhari Mountain Festival Marks a New Milestone in Sustainability

12th Jomolhari Mountain Festival Marks a New Milestone in Sustainability

The 12th Jomolhari Mountain Festival kicked off at Dangochong, Soe Gewog, approximately 4,100 metres…

Bruce Bunting Scholarship Recipients 2026

Bruce Bunting Scholarship Recipients 2026

The Bruce Bunting Scholarship for Environmental Leadership continues to support Bhutanese professionals in building the knowledge…

Field Notes from Gaytala

Field Notes from Gaytala

Beauty, Resilience, and Hope in Bhutan’s Highlands Many of the Bhutan Foundation’s programs reach…

Thirty-One Years on the Frontline

Thirty-One Years on the Frontline

For 31 years, Dorji Wangchuk has walked Bhutan’s forests with a responsibility that extends…

Help Build a Stronger Bhutan

Every gift creates lasting change.

Your support will help:

Conserving Bhutan's rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes.

Creating opportunities for children and young people to succeed.

Improving access to quality healthcare and essential services.

Protecting Bhutan's traditions, heritage, and identity.

Other Ways to Give

Make a Wire Transfer

Please contact Ms. Pemma Lhazin at +1-202-609-7363 or pemma.lhazin@bhutanfound.org

Make a Stock Gift

Please contact Ms. Pemma Lhazin at +1-202-609-7363 or pemma.lhazin@bhutanfound.org

Mail a Check

The Bhutan Foundation
1050 Connecticut Ave NW
#66013
Washington, DC 20036

A Gift in Your Will:

There are several ways to make a bequest to the Bhutan Foundation through your will or other estate plans: a residual bequest, a percentage bequest, a specific bequest, or a contingent bequest. Whichever type of bequest you choose, please use the following language:

“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Bhutan Foundation, Inc. (“Foundation”) (EIN: 13-3376290), an Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) organization organized in the State of Delaware, or its lawful successor, the sum of $ _____ [or a percentage of my estate] to be used exclusively for purposes of promoting the Foundation’s charitable mission (the “Purpose”).”

Tax ID Number: 13-3376290

The Bhutan Foundation is a 501(c)(3) registered charitable organization in the United States. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Stay Connected to Bhutan

Get inspiring stories, project updates, and opportunities to make a difference.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: The Bhutan Foundation, 1050 Connecticut Ave NW #66013, Washington, DC, 20036, https://bhutanfound.org/. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact