Leith Nippes

During my visit to Nepal in 2003, I fell in love with the beauty of this land, its people, and their unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy. At the same time I was devastated to witness the effects of military conflict upon these peaceful people. It became very obvious that the uprising had pitted the Government’s army against the Maoist insurgents with the already poverty stricken people of Nepal caught in the middle. As I was welcomed into homes and temples and given tea and shared meals with the Nepali I became overwhelmed by their loving kindness and that people with so little could give so much. I came to the realization that I had lived a privileged and in many ways a selfish life and that the next time I returned to Nepal it would be to give back to the people. After four years of study and training to obtain my masters in acupuncture and oriental medicine, The Acupuncture Relief Project is the culmination of my realization.

I would like to thank all those people that have helped and donated to make this project a reality.  We have put together a great team and I look forward to learning and growing with them and the people of Nepal as both a practitioner and a human being. 

Andrew Schlabach

My love of the Himalayas has brought me to Nepal several times over the last decade. I have seen this poverty stricken country become ever poorer and more unstable. I have many friends in Nepal who work desperately to support their families. Jobs are scarce and health care is non-existent.

Having just graduated from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine with my masters degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine, I now have a way to give something back to this community which has always treated me with such open kindness. I'm a strong believer in the efficacy of the community acupuncture model and I know we will have a meaningful impact in Nepal.

I look forward to working with the rest of the team and gaining valuable experience which will help me grow as a practitioner of this medicine. 

Thanks for your support.

Admin note: Andrew is now practicing at Healthwerks - Acupuncture Wellness Clinic in Vancouver Washington.

Diane Wintzer

I have spent the previous 10 years - before acupuncture took hold of me - leading and facilitating wilderness expeditions.  In the last few years I have dreamed that I might someday combine the practice of acupuncture with the art of what the wilderness has taught me -- to observe, to share a space with others that holds no judgement, and to embrace what is going on when it's happening.  I have always valued the role of new experiences and living outside of one's "comfort zone" and I have always been drawn to understanding our bodies and the health issues we encounter. 

Entering the field of health care as an Acupuncturist has been an exciting and challenging commitment - one that I feared might lead me away from the adventure and education of what has taught me so much.  Being a volunteer with the Acupuncture Relief Project provides me with an opportunity to weave together my life experience so far and to continue to explore my values as a person as well as my skills as a health care practitioner. 

I am honored to be a part of a community based project with passionate people that are open to learning and doing the best they can to provide an experience to others -- whatever that may be. 

Thank you for your support --