The Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) marks a remarkable milestone as it celebrates 25 years of dedication to supporting families affected by Kawasaki disease, a serious childhood vasculitis that can lead to heart complications if not treated promptly. Founded in 2000 by Greg Chin after his own son’s diagnosis, KDF has evolved from a modest parent symposium into a global hub connecting families, researchers, and medical professionals. This update highlights inspiring stories, upcoming events like Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day, scholarships, and research opportunities, all aimed at raising awareness and advancing treatments for this underrecognized illness primarily affecting children under five.
Founder Greg Chin Reflects on 25 Years of KDF
Founder Greg Chin Reflects on 25 Years of KDF
Greg Chin’s personal journey with Kawasaki disease transformed grief into action. In a heartfelt Q&A, he recounts how his family’s 2000 experience—marked by limited resources and isolation—spurred the creation of KDF. What began as efforts to unite affected parents quickly expanded into international symposia, research funding, and advocacy. Key milestones include fostering collaborations with top pediatric cardiologists and launching programs that have educated thousands. Chin emphasizes the power of community: “No parent should face Kawasaki disease alone.” Today, KDF continues to drive progress, with Chin reflecting on the resilience that has sustained the mission over 25 years.
Thriving Beyond KD: A Father’s Story
Personal testimonies like Loren Wheale’s underscore the long-term impact and hope surrounding Kawasaki disease. “My name is Loren Wheale, and I want to tell you about my daughter Mollie,” he begins. “I am telling this story for the parents who are right now sitting in a hospital room with a sick child, scared out of their minds, wondering if life will ever be normal again. I have been there. I know that fear.” Mollie was born on November 27, 2007, in Manteca, California—a bright, curious child whose second birthday, instead of cake and balloons, unfolded in a hospital bed amid her KD diagnosis. Wheale’s narrative highlights early intervention’s role in recovery, offering reassurance that with proper care, including IVIG and aspirin therapy as recommended by experts like those at the American Heart Association, children can thrive post-KD.
A father's heartfelt story of thriving beyond Kawasaki disease with his daughter Mollie
KDF Youth’s Standout Interns: Joshua and Charlotte Wei
Young voices are amplifying KDF’s mission through its youth programs. This month spotlights siblings Joshua and Charlotte Wei, whose internship exemplifies passion and purpose. Joshua’s personal battle with KD at a young age left his family without adequate resources, fueling his drive to raise awareness and provide support others lacked. Charlotte, inspired by her brother’s journey, joined to create content, assist families, and advocate. Together, they produce educational materials and engage communities, embodying KDF’s ethos of turning adversity into action. Their creativity has boosted youth involvement, proving that even survivors and siblings can lead change in Kawasaki disease advocacy.
KDF Youth interns Joshua and Charlotte Wei sharing their story and dedication
Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day: January 26, 2025
Mark your calendars for Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day on January 26, 2025. “Lights On, Hearts Strong” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a vibrant campaign to spotlight KD challenges, honor affected children’s bravery, and rally support. Light up landmarks, wear red, share stories, and donate to illuminate paths to better diagnosis and prevention. Current fundraising stands at $0 of $50,000 raised, powering research and family aid. Learn more and join at kdday.org.
Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day banner for the "Lights On, Hearts Strong" 2025 campaign
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship
Honoring the pediatric pioneer who first described the disease in 1967, the Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship reopens January 26, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year. Open to eligible students impacted by KD, it supports education while advancing Dr. Kawasaki’s legacy in pediatric medicine. Applications bring opportunities to survivors and siblings pursuing higher goals. Details at kdfoundation.org/dr-tomisaku-kawasaki-memorial-scholarship.
Participate in UC San Diego’s Kawasaki Disease Research Study
Contribute to groundbreaking research: UC San Diego seeks adults over 18 with no KD history for a control group studying long-term effects. Simple enrollment via email includes a questionnaire and optional blood draw. Your input helps decode KD’s impacts on coronary health and beyond, informing future treatments. Enroll at kdfoundation.org/akd.
KDF’s latest highlights—from founder reflections and survivor tales to youth leadership, awareness drives, scholarships, and studies—demonstrate unwavering commitment to Kawasaki disease families. Early symptoms like persistent fever over five days, strawberry tongue, and rash demand swift medical attention, as untreated KD risks aneurysms in 25% of cases per CDC data. By engaging with these initiatives, you support a brighter future. Visit kdfoundation.org, donate today, apply for scholarships, join the study, and spread the word for January 26—together, lights on, hearts strong!
References
- Kawasaki Disease Foundation: kdfoundation.org
- KD Awareness Day: kdday.org
- Scholarship Info: kdfoundation.org/dr-tomisaku-kawasaki-memorial-scholarship
- Research Study: kdfoundation.org/akd
- CDC Kawasaki Disease Facts: cdc.gov/kawasaki
- American Heart Association Guidelines: heart.org
