I had lunch at Everest Cafe today, where I learned that they were offering health screenings on Sundays. While it seems a little strange to most that a Cafe is offering health checkups, I actually was not suprised. Everest is unlike other St. Louis restaurants and not only because they are the only Nepalese, Korean, & Indian restaurant serving in the city of St. Louis. Dr. Devi Gurung States and his wife Connie are amazing people and have a story unlike most. Story after the fold.
Dr. Devi Gurung States was born and raised in the Tilche Village in Manang, Nepal. After his parents passed away, he became homeless in Kathmandu, because he was too young and could not find a job. After living for several months in the streets of Kathmandu, he finally found a job at the KC restaurant as a dishwasher.
From these early hardships emerged two dreams: to own a restaurant and, to help improve the health status of children and their families who are poor and suffering as he once was.
While working at the KC restaurant, he met Dr. James H. States, M.D, who successfully ascended Mt. Everest in 1983. Following this success, Dr. James States brought young Devi back to the U.S. with him.
After completing his high school and undergraduate education in the state of Washington, Devi asked his father, Dr. James States, what he could do to pay him back for giving him the opportunity to prosper in the United States. Dr. James States simply told him to help people. For this reason, Devi decided to pursue his graduate degree in Social Work and learn the skills of helping people.
He completed his Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) at Saint Louis University in 1994. Following this, he worked as a medical social worker and developed an interest in healthy lifestyles and preventive medicine. This led him to earn a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from Saint Louis University in 1997. Currently, Devi holds the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree in healthcare leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Utilizing his knowledge and training from his Master’s and Doctorate’s studies, along with his many years of professional work experience with chronic disease prevention and health promotion, Dr. Devi Gurung States brought his first dream to fruition. February of 2004 saw the grand opening of the Everest Café & Bar. Through this venue, Dr. Devi States has taken a unique approach to promoting healthy lifestyles by serving nutritious and tasty meals to his customers.
Having operated the restaurant for five years now, Dr. Devi Gurung States is preparing to complete his second dream of helping to improve the health status of suffering children and their families. To facilitate this endeavor, he has established the Himalayan Family Healthcare Project (HFHCP), a 503 (c-3) Non-Profit organization.
His wife, Connie States, is from South Korea and they have two teenage children, James and Jesse.
Given that Devi and Connie have always been great to me and I’m a big fan of their food, I thought the least I could do was provide information on their new non-profit.
The Himalayan Family Health Care Project (HFHCP) is a 503(c-3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing community-driven primary healthcare services and improving the health status of children and women. We are currently seeking donations, in any amount, that will be applied to purchasing land and constructing a clinic building. A small donation from you could make a big difference for improving health status of children and their families who are poor and suffering. Currently, we need volunteers who are web designers and have fund raising skills.
Anyone the is interested can contact the organization:
Devi Gurung States, MSW, MPH, DHSc Himalayan Family Health Care Project
4145 Manchester Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Phone (314) 531-4800
The full brochure can be found here.
