Kawasaki Disease (KD) remains one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children under five years old, affecting thousands worldwide each year. Characterized by prolonged fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and potential coronary artery complications, early diagnosis and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin are crucial to prevent long-term damage. The Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF), a beacon for affected families, continues to drive awareness, support research, and foster community. As we reflect on their impactful work in late 2025, recent highlights showcase personal stories, youth involvement, and upcoming opportunities that embody hope and resilience.
Founder Greg Chin Reflects on 25 Years of KDF
In 2025, the Kawasaki Disease Foundation marked its 25th anniversary, a milestone rooted in the personal journey of founder Greg Chin. In 1998, Chin’s son Taylor was diagnosed with KD, sparking a determination to ensure no family faces the illness in isolation. What began as a small parent symposium in 2000 evolved into a global network uniting families, researchers, and clinicians. In a heartfelt Q&A, Chin shares how the foundation has funded over $500,000 in research grants, hosted international conferences, and advocated for better diagnostics.
Chin’s leadership emphasized collaboration, leading to advancements like improved treatment protocols and genetic studies. Retiring recently, he passes the torch to a new generation, underscoring the power of community-driven change. His story inspires ongoing efforts to demystify Kawasaki Disease and reduce its incidence through education.
Founder Greg Chin Reflects on 25 Years of KDF
Thriving Beyond KD: A Father’s Story
Personal testimonies highlight KD’s profound impact and triumphs. Loren Wheale recounts his daughter Mollie’s battle, born on November 27, 2007, in Manteca, California. A vibrant toddler, Mollie’s second birthday turned harrowing with sudden fever and symptoms landing her in the hospital. Diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease, she endured IVIG treatment and cardiac monitoring, emerging stronger but forever changed.
Wheale speaks directly to parents in hospital rooms, sharing the fear, uncertainty, and eventual normalcy. Today, Mollie thrives, a testament to timely intervention. Stories like hers fuel KDF’s mission, reminding us that with support, children can overcome Kawasaki Disease and lead full lives.
Thriving Beyond KD: A Father
KDF Youth’s Standout Interns: Joshua and Charlotte Wei
Empowering the next generation, KDF Youth spotlights siblings Joshua and Charlotte Wei. Joshua’s own KD experience as a child ignited his passion for advocacy, aiming to provide resources his family lacked. Charlotte, inspired by her twin, joined to create content, support families, and amplify voices affected by Kawasaki Disease.
Their dedication shines through creative campaigns and peer outreach, embodying KDF’s ethos of turning adversity into action. As interns, they’ve boosted awareness via social media and events, proving young survivors can lead change.
KDF Youth
Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day: Lights On, Hearts Strong
January 26, 2025, marked International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day, with KDF’s “Lights On, Hearts Strong” campaign illuminating challenges and celebrating resilience. Families lit symbolic lights, shared stories, and raised funds toward a $50,000 goal. This annual event honors Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described the illness in 1967, stressing early recognition to avert aneurysms in 25% of untreated cases.
Participation surged, with global proclamations like Red Deer’s, amplifying the call for research into triggers like respiratory viruses.
Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day promotional graphic
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship and Research Opportunities
The Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship reopened on January 26, 2025, for the 2025-2026 academic year, supporting KD-affected students pursuing higher education. Honoring the pioneering pediatrician, it recognizes academic excellence and leadership, with recent recipients like Kate Xu exemplifying perseverance.
Meanwhile, UC San Diego’s Kawasaki Disease Research Center seeks adults over 18 without KD history for a control group study on long-term effects. Simple enrollment via questionnaire and optional blood draw advances understanding, building on decades of work by experts like Dr. Jane Burns.
In summary, the Kawasaki Disease Foundation’s latest endeavors—from reflective milestones to youth empowerment and research calls—reinforce its vital role. Families facing KD are urged to connect with KDF for resources, join studies, or apply for scholarships. Stay informed, support the cause, and help ensure no child battles alone. Visit kdfoundation.org for more.
References
- Kawasaki Disease Foundation: kdfoundation.org
- KD Awareness Day: kdday.org
- UC San Diego Kawasaki Disease Research Center: pediatrics.ucsd.edu/research/centers/kawasaki-disease
- American Heart Association Guidelines on Kawasaki Disease (2024 Update)
