KDF Board of Directors
Gregory Chin
KDF Founder & Treasurer
Ipswich, MA
In 1998, our three-year-old son Taylor had Kawasaki disease. Our experience was much like that of other families. Taylor’s symptoms began with a sudden high fever on a Sunday night. The fever was unexpected because he had been on an antibiotic for the past several days for an unknown respiratory infection. We immediately called the pediatrician’s office to seek medical advice and make an appointment for the next morning. Over the next few days, Taylor developed additional unusual symptoms, including a rash and swollen lymph nodes, which gave him a stiff neck and caused him to walk in a tilted fashion.
As the symptoms developed, we continued to seek medical help. During the course of the week, we had either called or visited the doctor’s office every day. Each time, a different doctor in the pediatric practice examined him. By Friday, the senior pediatrician in the office had examined Taylor and said that he would run some tests if he did not improve by the next day. Saturday came, and Taylor was subjected to blood and urine tests. The tests came back, and all the doctor knew was that Taylor was sick, so he admitted our son to the local children’s hospital. By that evening, the doctors told us that they thought Taylor had Kawasaki disease. We were devastated because we had never heard of Kawasaki disease, and we soon learned of the serious heart damage it could cause. The next morning Taylor was transported by ambulance to Children’s Hospital Boston where he was officially diagnosed and treated.
Fortunately, he did not suffer any heart damage, and today is an active, healthy young man. He participated in many sports since he was four years old. He played varsity soccer in high school and college. He even completed the Boston Marathon. We are eternally grateful for his outcome. However, we know that many children are not so lucky. That’s why we have persevered all of these years to advance the mission of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation.
While strides have been made in KD research, we need more answers. Not only do we want to know the cause of KD, but we also need to know the long-term outcome of all kids who have contracted KD, whether they had visible heart damage or not. We will not rest.
Kate Davila
KDF Vice President
Richmond Hill, GA
Why and how did you become a KDF Board Member?
I’ve been involved with KDF since the first symposium back in 2000 in Boston. I joined the board after being asked by Lynda Moore, a former KDF Board Member. Awareness and education have always been important to me as a KD survivor. I also love connecting with parents whose children had KD as a way to let them know their KD kids can and will lead “normal” lives post-KD.
What are your goal/s as a KDF Board Member?
To educate doctors and parents, connect with other adult KD survivors, and spread awareness.
What advice do you have for KD parents and families who are currently going through a KD diagnosis?
Trust your gut as a parent. If you feel like you aren’t getting answers or results, don’t be afraid to push back. Additionally, get connected with a cardiologist and/or pediatrician who you trust and who communicate with one another.
When you are not working on KDF items, what do you do professionally and/or for fun?
I am a mom of two kids, and I love to travel, read, craft, spend time with my kids and husband and our two crazy beagles and work out to maintain my heart health.
Jennifer Lau
KDF Board Member
(Event Coordination & Fundraising Committee)
San Diego, CA
Why and how did you become a KDF Board Member?
My son, Richard, was diagnosed with KD in 2008. I was introduced through Rady Children’s Hospital to the KDF.
What are your goal/s as a KDF Board Member?
As a KDF Board Member, I would love to be able to see the research we support find a cause, and develop a diagnostic test specifically for KD. To continue awareness in the world, so more doctors and people are able to recognize the symptoms so children are not misdiagnosed.
What advice do you have for KD parents and families who are currently going through a KD diagnosis?
Be your child’s advocate. As a parent, you know your child and need to be their voice. Reach out to the KD community and connect with other families who have gone through similar experiences. Sometimes, it’s good to speak with another parent about their experience.
When you are not working on KDF items, what do you do professionally and/or for fun?
I work in the food industry full time and am always spreading awareness of KD. Our family loves traveling and outdoor activities.
I look forward to working with the KDF for many years to come and supporting their KD research and awareness efforts.
Karin Wicker
KDF Board Member
(KDF Bridges Coordinator)
Tampa, FL
Why and how did you become a KDF Board Member?
I joined the KDF Board because of my passion for the cause and several years of volunteer work for the organization. Being part of the KDF Board allows me to serve the KD community in a leadership position and to contribute something meaningful.
What are your goal/s as a KDF Board Member?
My goal is to work together with my fellow board members, who share my passion, to raise awareness of KD, facilitate support among families, and to increase funding for KD research until a cause for this terrible illness is found.
What advice do you have for KD parents and families who are currently going through a KD diagnosis?
Be an advocate for your child. Educate yourself about the illness. Become part of a KD network for information and support.
When you are not working on KDF items, what do you do professionally and/or for fun?
I work as a circuit designer in the telecom industry. In my spare time, I enjoy trail biking and hiking.
Vanessa Gutierrez
KDF President
Daly City, CA
Matt Nelson
KDF Board Member
(Website Development Team Leader & Communications Committee)
Charleston, SC
Catherine Frank
KDF Secretary
Haverford, PA
Julia Jayatilaka
KDF Board Member
(Volunteer & Fundraising Committee)
Durham, NC
Why and how did you become a KDF Board Member?
Our son was diagnosed with KD in October 2017 at 17 months old. Despite both being medical professionals, neither my husband nor I were familiar with KD. I held our son as they began treatment and asked all the questions that every parent wants to know. What is KD? Why did he get it? What does this mean for his future? Every question was answered with “we don’t know.” I had never felt so helpless as I did at that moment. That same moment was also when I made a vow to myself that when we made it home from the hospital, I would find a way to help change the future of KD so that one day other families would not have to hear, “we don’t know” and to raise awareness among families, caregivers, and the medical community. My journey to becoming a Board Member began with an online auction I hosted to raise funds for KDF. I remained involved with KDF as a volunteer and participated in their monthly meetings following the auction. In 2018 I was offered a seat on the Board.
What are your goal/s as a KDF Board Member?
To change the future of KD! To raise awareness for prompt and accurate diagnosis. To support research to answer the “why’s” so one day no family will have to hear “we don’t know” regarding their child’s future and support the development of a diagnostic test.
What advice do you have for KD parents and families who are currently going through a KD diagnosis?
Know you are not alone! KD is rare and can leave you feeling that no one will understand what you and your family are going through. Know there is an entire community who has been in that hospital room and is standing with you, and there is an entire foundation working passionately to find the answers, improve diagnosis, and change the future of KD.
When you are not working on KDF items, what do you do professionally and/or for fun?
Spend time with my family making memories and treasuring every moment. We look forward to getaways that involve our toes in the sand. We are constantly in the middle of an adventure; every day is a new adventure, a crazy typical week juggling work, and school, a trip to the beach, or being goofy playing at home.
Brittany Fidler
KDF Board Member
(KDF Administration)
Cape Cod, MA
Why and how did you become a KDF Board Member?
I was invited to join as a volunteer by another board member I met through the online support group that I run. I had been running the page for seven years and was interested in learning new ways to help spread awareness and doing whatever else to help other families who have been through the same journey. It’s an honor to work with the Kawasaki Disease Foundation, and years ago, when I started my support group, I never would have dreamed that I could be doing the things I am now. It just goes to show that if you have passion for something and are willing to work hard enough, you really can make a difference.
What are your goal/s as a KDF Board Member?
My goals have always been to support others so they don’t feel alone while going through the KD process and helping to spread awareness.
What advice do you have for KD parents and families who are currently going through a KD diagnosis?
Listen to your instincts. You know your child better than anyone and speak up if something doesn’t seem right to you. You are your child’s greatest advocate. Also, be kind to yourself through the process. You are doing the best you can. You can only be your best if you feel your best.
When you are not working on KDF items, what do you do professionally and/or for fun?
Professionally, I’m a purchaser for an electrical contractor. For fun, the kids and I enjoy anything to do with Harry Potter, reading, and lazy days around the house when we can!
Jennifer Garnica
KDF Board Member
(KDF Administration)
Redondo Beach, CA
Why and how did you become a KDF Board Member?
I have attended several KDF symposiums and galas for the last several years. I am inspired by the mission of the KDF and feel privileged to participate actively as a Board Member. The answer to “why” I am participating is my daughter, Paige, who was diagnosed with KD at the age of 18 months in 1999. She was subsequently diagnosed with coronary artery aneurysms. Paige has endured years of cardiac testing, medications, and eventually life-saving double bypass surgery at the age of 16. I promised myself and my daughter that I would be active in spreading awareness about Kawasaki Disease. I am honored to be a part of the KDF and am so thankful for being asked to participate as a Board Member.
What are your goal/s as a KDF Board Member?
My goal is to assist the foundation with its goals of spreading awareness, supporting medical research, and providing information to the parent and patient communities.
What advice do you have for KD parents and families who are currently going through a KD diagnosis?
My advice would be to try to remain calm and focused for your child. I recommend keeping notes, journals, etc… of your child’s symptoms and your discussions with doctors. KD can be a very frightening experience, but there will be a day when it is a memory. Reach out to other KD parents on social media with questions and for support.
When you are not working on KDF items, what do you do professionally and/or for fun?
I work as an insurance broker for employer groups. I enjoy traveling, being active, and spending time with my family in my spare time.