KDF Latest News
After we shared a recent study exploring the possibility of an unidentified virus as the cause of Kawasaki Disease, we received many thoughtful comments, questions, and concerns from our community. We’re grateful for your engagement and curiosity. To provide clarity and context, Dr. Anne H. Rowley, who led the study, offered a detailed explanation addressing […]
Ask the KD Experts: Why is Kawasaki disease less commonly treated with steroids? While it’s not common for Rady Children’s Hospital to treat Kawasaki disease (KD) with steroids, the use of steroids in combination with IVIG continues to be used around the world for children with aneurysms and with treatment-resistant KD. In San Diego, many […]
2024 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium Q&A Questions (Transcribed) Q: How can families participate in the KD genetic studies? Who qualifies to enroll and how? A: Currently, DNA studies are focused on patients with aneurysms. Families with a child who has aneurysms and wish to participate can request a mouthwash kit for at-home testing; a swab […]
2022 UCSD KD Parent Symposium Q&A Session Watch the annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium hosted by the University of California San Diego, Kawasaki Disease Research Center via the link below, or scroll down to read the transcribed questions and answers asked during the Q&A session 1. WATCH VIDEO>> Q&A Session 1- Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium, […]
Ask the KD Experts: Are there any updates on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine for children and adults with a history of Kawasaki disease? New inquiries regarding updates on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in children and adults with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) have been submitted to the KD Foundation over […]
Ask the KD Experts: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children and adults with a history of Kawasaki disease? The following update was provided by Jane Burns, M.D. Professor and Director, Kawasaki Disease Research Center. We understand that there may be concerns over the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in children and adults with a […]
2020 UCSD KD Parent Symposium (Virtual Event) Q&A Session Watch the annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium hosted by the University of California San Diego, Kawasaki Disease Research Center via the link below, or scroll down to read the transcribed questions and answers asked during the Q&A sessions. WATCH VIDEO>> KD Parent Symposium 2020 – Transcript […]
Ask the KD Experts: KD & COVID-19 Update The following update was provided by Jane Burns, M.D. Professor and Director, Kawasaki Disease Research Center. June 23, 2020 1. KD patients who are well, healthy people, with normal functioning hearts are at no increased risk over the general population of any complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. 2. […]
Dear KD Parents, There has been a lot of recent media attention regarding a pediatric inflammatory shock syndrome linked to COVID-19 that appears to affect a few patients who share some features of Kawasaki Disease, including coronary artery aneurysms and favorable response to IVIG. Due to the flood of inquiries that we have been receiving […]
Ask the KD Experts: KD & COVID-19 Latest News Dear KD Parents, We wanted to reach out to provide information and reassurance to our KD parents in light of new information that is emerging about children who develop a severe shock syndrome with some features of KD that appears related to the new coronavirus illness, […]
Ask the KD Experts: Biomarkers of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Kawasaki Disease Patients Years After Initial Presentation With Low Ejection Fraction Question: Can you please explain the results of a recent study published titled “Biomarkers of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Kawasaki Disease Patients Years After Initial Presentation With Low Ejection Fraction”? Answer: The study results […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19 Question: Is my KD child more at risk to COVID-19 than the general population? Answer: Children who have had KD go on to be immunologically normal in their response to viruses, vaccines, and other reactions to their environment. While there are certain apparent genetic links to atopic […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease and Z Scores Question: What is a Z score? Answer: A Z score normalized for body surface area represents how much larger (or smaller) a measured coronary artery internal diameter is compared to the average coronary artery diameter for a child of the same size (body surface area includes both […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease an Autoimmune Disease? Question: Is Kawasaki disease an autoimmune disease? Answer: The term “autoimmune” disease is used to describe diseases in which the primary immune response is to “self.” That means that the body’s immune response gets confused and starts attacking itself. Once that program is set in motion, […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease and Long Term Effects Question: My daughter is now 12. She had Kawasaki disease when she was four years old. After treatment and the follow-up tests, they determined that she did not suffer any permanent damage to her heart. She did her follow up visit five years later and, […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease and Hearing Loss Question: Our son was diagnosed with KD January 2007, he was 2 years 9 months old. After presenting with all the symptoms was treated with IVIG on the fifth day. The test came back normal and he was sent home two days later on low dose […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease and Calcium Testing Question: I had KD when I was 2. I am now 22 and have had several weird heart issues that they weren’t identifiable with an echo since then. I was just reading about other tests that can be done, such as the calcium test. Would that […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease and Vision Loss Question: I wanted to ask if you could please provide some feedback on vision loss due to KD. There’s been a story surfacing these past few days of a blind Paralympian who lost his vision to KD as a child. A link was shared on the […]
Ask the KD Experts: Kawasaki Disease and Vaccines Question: Hello. I was wondering if you can share any information regarding Kawasaki disease and immunizations after onset. My son is 16 years old. He had Kawasaki disease when he was 33 months old. I have been researching the HPV Virus vaccination and those who have side […]
We are excited to shine a light on Ava Quinn, an inspiring young advocate and passionate supporter of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF). Her recent project is already making a remarkable difference in the Kawasaki Disease (KD) community. As part of her master’s program in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) at the University of Pittsburgh’s School […]
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Kate Xu Scholarship Recipient: Kate Xu Scholarship Year: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Scholarship Type: High school student entering a university University Name: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Scholarship Amount: $5,000 Kate Xu was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease (KD) at the age of three after multiple misdiagnoses in the […]
Celebrating Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki: A Legacy of Dedication to Kawasaki Disease Research Read: The Legacy of Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, a manuscript recently published by the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. As we approach the 100th birthday of Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, the world reflects on the profound impact he has had on the medical community, particularly […]
Give $26, Get Stickers, Spread KD Awareness From January 13th to 19th, the Kawasaki Disease Foundation is offering a special thank you to the first 150 people who make a $26 donation to our cause. When you donate, you’ll receive a Kawasaki Disease sticker pack as our way of showing gratitude for your support! Why […]
Together, We Shine Brighter – Lights On, Hearts Strong As we kick off another exciting week in our Lights On, Hearts Strong campaign, we’re thrilled to share the incredible progress we’ve made together! Our social media is glowing! Thanks to your support, we’ve seen a big increase in followers across all platforms. Each new connection means another […]
Kawasaki Disease: Understanding the Rare Illness in Children Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects children under the age of five. Named after Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described the illness in 1967, KD is now recognized worldwide as one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children. […]
Today marks the first day of Kawasaki Disease Awareness Month, and we are thrilled to officially launch our Lights On, Hearts Strong campaign! This January, we’re coming together to honor the strength, bravery, and resilience of children affected by Kawasaki Disease. “Lights On, Hearts Strong” is more than a campaign — it’s a movement to shine a light […]
We are excited to announce the launch of our Lights On, Hearts Strong campaign this January, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Kawasaki Disease! This campaign is an opportunity to illuminate the critical need for awareness about KD, and your support will make a powerful impact. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing meaningful social […]
**Your Input is Crucial! Help Shape a Toolkit for Pediatric Kawasaki Disease Patients Transitioning to Adult Cardiology Care** The KDF is reaching out to both youth and adult patients who are currently transitioning to adult healthcare or have successfully completed this journey. Our adult survey is designed to gather key insights from patients with Kawasaki […]
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship – Call for Scholarship Applications Spring 2025 Deadline for Applications: February 28, 2025 The KD Foundation scholarship, established to honor Dr. Kawasaki’s contributions to pediatric medicine, will reopen on January 26, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year. One (1) scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior who has been […]
Meet Ava Quinn: KDF Graduate School Intern My name is Ava Quinn, and I currently reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, having relocated from Conshohocken in 2021. I recently completed my Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and am now pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field through an accelerated […]
2024 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium Feedback Survey We invite you to participate in the 2024 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium Feedback Survey. The symposium, hosted by the Kawasaki Disease Research Center at the University of San Diego, California in partnership with the Kawasaki Disease Foundation, provided valuable updates on Kawasaki disease studies and research. This online […]
[Watch On-Demand] 2024 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium The annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium, hosted by the Kawasaki Disease Research Center at the University of San Diego, California in partnership with the Kawasaki Disease Foundation, provided valuable updates on Kawasaki disease studies and research. This online event, held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, offered insights from […]
[Watch On-Demand] Navigating Kawasaki Disease Together: A Dialogue with Experts for Patients and Caregivers The Kawasaki Disease Foundation teamed up with Kawasaki Disease Canada to host a symposium titled “Navigating Kawasaki Disease Together: A Dialogue with Experts for Patients and Caregivers”. This session brought together Kawasaki Disease specialists, parents, caregivers, patients, and worldwide KD organizations […]
KDF Youth Fall Internship Program POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) is accepting applications for three part-time positions for our KDF Youth Program. LOCATION: 100% Remote/Online, must reside in the United States. SCHEDULE/SHIFT: Flexible, 4-8 hours per week, with optional attendance at our monthly board meeting scheduled online on the last Monday of the month at 6 […]
KDF Youth Summer Internship Program POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) is accepting applications for three part-time positions for our KDF Youth Program. LOCATION: 100% Remote/Online, must reside in the United States. SCHEDULE/SHIFT: Flexible, 5-10 hours per week, with optional attendance at our monthly board meeting scheduled online on the last Monday of the month at 6 […]
Kawasaki Disease Foundation Internship Program POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) is accepting applications for one part-time position in communications and administration. APPLICATION DEADLINE: The recruitment for this position will begin on June 7, 2024 and may close on or before August 30, 2024. LOCATION: 100% Remote/Online, must reside in the United States. SCHEDULE/SHIFT: Flexible, 8 hours per […]
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Aditya Gupta Scholarship Recipient: Aditya Gupta Scholarship Year: Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Scholarship Type: High school student entering a university University Name: Tufts University Scholarship Amount: $5,000 Aditya Gupta’s journey into the medical field was not just a career choice, but a testament to his resilience and determination. Diagnosed with Kawasaki […]
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Julia Fitzgerald Scholarship Recipient: Julia Fitzgerald Scholarship Year: Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Scholarship Type: Student currently enrolled in a university University Name: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Scholarship Amount: $10,000 Julia Fitzgerald was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD) in 2006 at the age of two. It took a few days for the doctor to make a […]
Announcing the Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship Presented by the Kawasaki Disease Foundation Scholarship award(s): $5,000 scholarship for high school students, $10,000 scholarship for college students. Application deadline: April 30, 2024 Award date: Fall 2024 semester The Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship was created by the Kawasaki Disease Foundation to honor Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki’s contributions […]
International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS) 2024 Patient/Caregiver Survey The 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS) will take place from August 26-29, 2024, in Montreal, Canada. The Kawasaki Disease Foundation and Kawasaki Disease Canada are proud to support the first IKDS held in Canada. As the date is approaching fast, we are seeking your assistance. KDF […]
Watch the 2023 UCSD KD Parent Symposium (Virtual Event) Annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium hosted by the University of California San Diego, Kawasaki Disease Research Center. The event was held virtually. Timestamps for presentations and sessions throughout the event 00:04:00 : Jane C Burns MD: Welcome and update on KD Rady Children’s Hospital 00:19:00 : […]
The KDF Youth program of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation is searching for new members! If you are a young person passionate about raising awareness for KD, hosting online and in-person fundraisers, learning social media communication skills, and earning volunteer hours, you are invited to join KDF Youth! The hours are flexible, and all the work […]
Cookies 4 Kawasaki – KDF Youth Donates Items for Kawasaki Patients at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego In 2022, the KD Foundation’s KDF Youth organized Cookies4Kawasaki – a fundraiser raising money to make a difference in the lives of Kawasaki Disease patients. Two Pop-Up events were organized and hosted by the KDF Youth Board members […]
The Venice 6 – Event Recap The Venice 6 fundraising event held on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Venice Beach, CA, benefitting the Kawasaki Disease Foundation, was super fun for all those who attended and had a fantastic turnout. The event was hosted by The Last 6 Miles, an organization that educates and funds research […]
Watch the 2022- UCSD KD Parent Symposium (Virtual & In-Person Event) Annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium hosted by the University of California San Diego, Kawasaki Disease Research Center. The event was held virtually and in-person. Video Time Stamp Speaker Topic 00:00:00 – 00:15:15 Jane C. Burns MD: Welcome and update on KD at Rady Children’s […]
Gregory Chin, founder and president of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation, retires Under his leadership, the KD Foundation has donated over half a million dollars to KD research over the past 21 years. Gregory Chin, founder and president of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) has stepped down from his role as president after 21 years of […]
KDF Youth Highlights KDF Youth is a KD Foundation program created by youth for youth. The group was launched in September 2020 to increase Kawasaki Disease (KD) awareness among youth and teenagers. Since its inception, the group has met consistently to create KD awareness campaigns and involve other KD youth. See the group’s most recent […]
Over Half A Million Dollars Donated to Kawasaki Disease Research Thanks to YOU, we have contributed $532,000 to advancing KD research; most significantly, we provided a grant to the Kawasaki Disease Research Center at the University of California San Diego that helped grow and support a KD biorepository. The biorepository is now the largest DNA bank of KD samples […]
Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day is Today – Wednesday, January 26, 2022! Twelve years ago, the Kawasaki Disease Foundation requested to have January 26th designated as KD Awareness Day. Senator Jim Webb of Virginia and Daniel Inouye of Hawaii sponsored the official declaration and presented it before the 111th Congress, 2nd session. This day is significant […]
January 26th is National Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day Join the Kawasaki Disease Foundation in raising awareness for Kawasaki Disease from January 1st to 26th, 2022 How YOU can HELP: Be a part of the Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve Campaign Wear a heart on your sleeve on January 26th. Purchase a t-shirt, hoodie, or […]
Watch the 2021- UCSD KD Parent Symposium (Virtual Event) Annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium hosted by the University of California San Diego, Kawasaki Disease Research Center. The event was held virtually via Zoom. Video Time Stamp Speaker Topic 00:00:00 – 00:16:40 Jane C. Burns MD: Welcome and update on KD at Rady Children’s Hospital […]
To ALL our KD Community who helped raise Kawasaki disease awareness on the 11th National KD Awareness Day, January 26, 2021 – THANK YOU! Together, we helped raise awareness of KD by sharing symptoms and KD facts posts, sharing our personal stories and experiences with KD, which is not always an easy thing to do, […]
Watch the 2020- UCSD KD Parent Symposium (Virtual Event) Annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium hosted by the University of California San Diego, Kawasaki Disease Research Center. The event was held virtually via Zoom. Video Time Stamp Speaker Topic 0:05:15 Jane C. Burns, MD: A tribute to Dr. Kawasaki and his legacy 0:18:16 Prof. Michael Levin: […]
Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Kawasaki Disease By: SSD Help Twitter: @DisabilityGuide If your child has Kawasaki disease (KD) and you are finding that he or she is having difficulty in school and medical bills are piling up, you may be eligible for assistance. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers monthly resources to people in […]
2019 Kawasaki Disease Awareness Challenge Participant Results The Foundation thanks our 2019 KDAC challenge participants. We are grateful for YOUR support and appreciate the time and energy YOU dedicated to helping raise awareness and funds for Kawasaki disease. Together YOU raised $3,265 and ran, walked, biked or hiked 1,406.65 miles from June 21 to September […]
The 6th KD Summit of India/ 1st Annual Conference of the Kawasaki Disease Society of India Written by Dana Bell Fairfield, CA The 6th Kawasaki Disease Summit of India and the First Annual Conference of the Kawasaki Disease Society of India took place in early November 2018 in beautiful Chandigarh, India and was hosted by […]
Event Recap: International Kawasaki Disease Symposium, Yokohama, Japan This past June 2018, 485 participants from 32 countries gathered in Yokohama, Japan for the 12th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS). The 3 ½ day conference covered Kawasaki disease (KD) issues which included diagnosis and treatment, American Heart Association guidelines, KD epidemiology, genetics, pathology, pathogenesis, etiology, immunology, […]
Recap of the KDF’s ‘To Save a Child’s Heart’ East Coast Gala The first east coast KDF gala was one to remember! And quite unexpectedly, the memories began even before our guests arrived. As we were setting up in the rotunda of The Jefferson Hotel, a man stopped in his tracks when he saw a […]
KDF Newsletter, Spring 2025 In This Issue: 1. KD Specialist Highlight: Annette Baker 2. CalPlasma: Saving Lives 3. UCSD Research Study 4. Dr. Rowley’s Breakthrough Study 5. KD Intern Highlight: Grace Choe 6. Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Scholarship 7. My Health Planner Toolkit 8. FAQs, Researched + Answered 9. Becoming a KDF Volunteer READ NEWSLETTER>>
KDF Youth’s Standout Intern 🎉 We’re proud to recognize Grace Choe as our Standout Intern for the Spring quarter! Grace has been an incredible asset to the Kawasaki Disease Foundation’s social media team, bringing her creativity and enthusiasm to content creation that informs, inspires, and uplifts our community. We deeply appreciate her can-do attitude, positive […]
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Kate Xu Scholarship Recipient: Kate Xu Scholarship Year: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Scholarship Type: High school student entering a university University Name: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Scholarship Amount: $5,000 Kate Xu was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease (KD) at the age of three after multiple misdiagnoses in the […]
KDF Newsletter, Winter 2025 In This Issue: 1. “Lights On, Hearts Strong” — A Heartfelt Thank You for Your Support 2. Celebrating Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki’s 100th Birthday 3. Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki 2025-2026 Scholarship — Now Accepting Applications! 4. KD Researchers Spotlight: Professor Kuo 5. Meet Emily Rodriguez: KDF Intern READ NEWSLETTER>>
KDF Newsletter, Winter 2024 In This Issue: 1. Kawasaki Disease Awareness Campaign: “Lights On, Hearts Strong” 2. Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki 2025-2026 Scholarship 3. KD Patients Feedback Needed: Transition to Adult Healthcare 4. KD Parent Symposium Q&A Session (Transcribed) 5. Update on Diagnosis and Management of KD: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association 6. […]
KDF Newsletter, Fall 2024 In this issue: 1. Treating Resistant KD: Evidence Update for Parents and Clinicians 2. Recap: 14th International KD Symposium (IKDS) 3. Watch the 2024 IKDS Parent Conference: Navigating KD Together 4. Watch On-Demand: 2024 Annual KD Parent Symposium 5. Feedback Survey: 2024 Annual KD Parent Symposium 6. Meet Ava Quinn: KDF’s […]
KDF Newsletter, Summer 2024 In This Issue: 1. UCSD Adult Kawasaki Disease Study Needs Control Participants 2. Cardiac Clinic at SickKids Needs Online Survey Participants 3. Announcing the Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship Recipients 4. Upcoming Virtual Events: Navigating Kawasaki Disease Together: A Dialogue with Experts for Patients and Caregivers UCSD Annual Kawasaki Disease Parent […]
KDF Newsletter, April 2024 In This Issue: 1. 13th National Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day 2. KD Cases Increase at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego 3. Pharmacogenomics of IVIG Response in KD 4. Watch the 2023 UCSD KD Parent Symposium 5. Paige Garnica’s Heart Surgery Story 6. KDF Youth Highlights – Kate Xu, Daily Point of […]
October 2023, Volume 1, Issue 1 In this issue: 1. KD Research Updates — KD Aneurysms & Transition of Care; 2. Dr Portman Explains How Cardiac Disease Differs Between Pediatric, Adult Patients; 3. Upcoming KD Events: 2023 UCSD KD Parent Symposium; 1st International Kawasaki Disease Registry & EUROKiDs Joint Meeting; 2024 International KD Symposium, Montreal, […]
KDF Newsletter April 2022, Volume 1, Issue 1 In this issue: 2022 Kawasaki Disease Awareness Campaign Results; KDF Founder & President; Gregory Chin’s Retirement; Union University College of Pharmacy KD Awareness Fundraiser; KDF Youth Highlights; Lisa Connelly Case Study: Sudden Cardiac Death in Adult With Prior History of KD Without Coronary Artery Involvement; 2021 UCSD […]
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Kate Xu Scholarship Recipient: Kate Xu Scholarship Year: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Scholarship Type: High school student entering a university University Name: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Scholarship Amount: $5,000 Kate Xu was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease (KD) at the age of three after multiple misdiagnoses in the […]
Meet Emily Rodriguez: KDF Intern Allow us to introduce Emily. At just four months old, she received a diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease. Her case was complex—her symptoms were unusual, confounding doctors back in 2005. After numerous misdiagnoses, including ear infection, meningitis, and scarlet fever, the right diagnosis was finally reached following days of uncertainty and […]
Spotlight on Dedicated KD Researchers: Ho-Chang Kuo, MD, PhD, FAAAAI Professor Ho-Chang Kuo, born in 1973, earned his M.D. degree from National Yang-Ming University in Taiwan in 1999, followed by a Ph.D. from the Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science at Chang Gung University in 2011. He serves as an attending pediatrician, physician-scientist, and […]
KD Awareness Advocates: Mckenzie Graham In the Fall of 2019, the Foundation was approached by Mckenzie Graham and her mother who expressed interest in contributing to KD awareness. Mckenzie’s younger sister, Savannah, was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at the age of three. Savannah was misdiagnosed three times and was diagnosed and treated for KD after […]
Dear KD Families, It’s with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of Donna Collins after a long battle with cancer. For those of you who didn’t know Donna, it’s our honor to share a little about her and how she tirelessly advocated for families of children affected by Kawasaki Disease. We […]
KD Awareness Advocates: Michael Lau My name is Dr. Michael Lau, and I’m a licensed pharmacist currently completing a Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY-1) Residency at NYU Winthrop Hospital. Throughout the course of the year, residents complete rotations in various fields (cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, etc.). During the month of September, when I was training with the […]
New Rochelle, NY: Bringing awareness to Kawasaki disease During the KDF’s 26 days of Kawasaki Disease Awareness campaign, KD mom, Danielle Foster contacted us for support in raising KD awareness. Danielle decided to host an awareness fundraiser for KD in her community, and her impromptu event was very successful. Here are her thoughts on […]
KD Parent Spotlight: Aubry Shackelford At the age of five, my daughter Allison was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease. Like many other KD parents, her mother Jean had to become relentless in her pursuit of a diagnosis when initial visits to various pediatricians came up empty. Luckily, Jean found a pediatrician who had encountered KD before […]
¡Aproveche la oportunidad de unirse al Simposio anual para padres sobre la enfermedad de Kawasaki en línea a través de Zoom! Obtenga información valiosa sobre la enfermedad de Kawasaki, manténgase actualizado sobre las últimas investigaciones y tratamientos de KD e interactúe con expertos de KD para obtener respuestas a sus preguntas en tiempo real. Qué: […]
UCSD Annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium What: UCSD Annual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium When: Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm pst/12:00 pm to 3:00 pm est Where: Online via Zoom Click here to register>> Q&A session will be included to allow parents to ask their questions to the specialists. Spanish interpretation will be […]
Fostering Global Collaborations to Solve Kawasaki Disease Join us on June 25th at 1:30 PM ET / 10:30 AM PT for a conversation with Dr. Adriana Tremoulet and Dr. Nagib Dahdah, the Presidents of the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium. Get a sneak peak of the topics that will be discussed at the symposium, […]
There is still time to register for the 2023 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium! What: UCSD 2023 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium When: Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9 am to 12 pm PST Who: Jane C. Burns, M.D. Director, UCSD KD Research Center | Adriana Tremoulet, M.D. Associate Director, UCSD KD Research Center Why: Learn about Kawasaki Disease; Hear […]
1st International Kawasaki Disease Registry & EUROKiDs Joint Meeting What: 1st International Kawasaki Disease Registry & EUROKiDs Joint Meeting When: Thursday, November 2nd to Saturday, November 4th Where: Online (100 Euros discounted virtual attendance trainees, family members or members of family associations) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER>> IKDR-EUROKiDS Joint Meeting_Italy_Flyer
You are invited to join the 2022 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium! What: UCSD 2022 Kawasaki Disease Parent SymposiumWhen: Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 9 am to 12 pm PSTWho: Jane C. Burns, M.D. Director, UCSD KD Research Center | Adriana Tremoulet, M.D. Associate Director, UCSD KD Research CenterWhy: Learn about Kawasaki Disease; Hear KD experts give research updates; Learn […]
What: The Venice 6 (3 mile option available) When: Sunday, November 13, 2022 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Where: Windward Plaza 1 Windward Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90291 The Last 6 is back with its annual fundraiser run benefiting the Kawasaki Disease Foundation. We will run a 6 mile out and back starting at Windward Plaza […]
What: UCSD 2022 Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium When: Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 9 am to 12 pm PST Who: Jane C. Burns, M.D. Director, UCSD KD Research Center | Adriana Tremoulet, M.D. Associate Director, UCSD KD Research Center Why: Learn about Kawasaki Disease Hear KD experts give research updates Learn about new KD treatments […]
KDF See’s Candies Holiday Fundraiser KD Mom, Samantha Encinas, invites you to help raise funds to support the KDF’s mission via this online Yum-Raising Event! What: See’s Candies Holiday Fundraiser When: October 9, 2021 to December 3, 2021 Where: See’s Candies – KDF Store CLICK HERE TO VIEW STOREFRONT>>
What: UCSD 2021 Virtual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium When: Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 9 am to 12 pm PST Who: Jane C. Burns, M.D. Director, UCSD KD Research Center | Adriana Tremoulet, M.D. Associate Director, UCSD KD Research Center Why: Learn about Kawasaki Disease Hear KD experts give research updates Learn about new KD […]
What: UCSD 2021 Virtual Kawasaki Disease Parent Symposium When: Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 9 am to 12 pm PST Who: Jane C. Burns, M.D. Director, UCSD KD Research Center | Adriana Tremoulet, M.D. Associate Director, UCSD KD Research Center Why: Learn about Kawasaki Disease Hear KD experts give research updates Learn about new KD […]
Breakthrough Study Links Kawasaki Disease to a Single, Unknown Respiratory Virus After more than five decades of uncertainty, researchers at Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago have uncovered compelling evidence pointing to a single respiratory virus—still unidentified—as the cause of Kawasaki disease. This marks a major […]
Editorial: Fostering Global Collaboration Around Kawasaki Disease. Reflections From the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium From August 26 to August 29, the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS) was held in Montreal, Canada. For the past 40 years, IKDS has brought together researchers and scientists dedicated to understanding Kawasaki Disease (KD). With new generations joining […]
Recap from the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS) The board members of the Kawasaki Disease Foundation – USA attended the 14th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium (IKDS) in Montreal, Canada from August 26 to 29, 2024. The symposium brought together providers, researchers, pharmacists, foundations, patients, and families to discuss crucial advancements in Kawasaki Disease. Clinicians […]
Rady Children’s Hospital seeing increase in Kawasaki disease cases. Cause remains elusive. After experiencing a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians at Rady Children’s Hospital have been somewhat surprised at the number of young children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease in the new year. In January, said Dr. Jane Burns, director of Rady’s Kawasaki Disease clinic, […]
Kate Xu, KDF Youth President “Daily Point of Light” Honoree Kate Xu is a friendly, engaged 16-year-old who enjoys reading, photography, math and science. She has extraordinary piano skills that have led her to perform in Paris and at Carnegie Hall, the latter as a result of placing in the American Protégée competition. Recently, she’s […]
Heart surgery survivor shares road to recovery Paige Garnica was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease before her second birthday. Since then, she and her family have been advocating for Kawasaki disease awareness and funding and have remained involved in the KD community. Recently, Paige shared her story after undergoing heart surgery due to KD. You can […]
Ellen Xu – KDF Youth Board President Honored as One of 25 Most Remarkable Teens in San Diego, CA One of our very own KDF volunteers, Ellen Xu, is definitely a ‘remarkable’ teen! San Diego leaders gathered together recently to recognize a group of teens for not only their talents but also their drive to […]
Same Treatment Tested for Kids with Kawasaki Disease and Rare COVID-19 Reaction In a pair of new studies, published online October 26 and August 31, 2021, two collaborating teams of researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine examined the use of IVIG in two groups; one group used a second dose of […]
My son’s fight with Kawasaki disease taught me to trust my instincts (CNN)The latest pandemic news has many parents on edge. If we didn’t have enough to worry about already during this pandemic, parents now have another dire warning from medical experts. A rare inflammatory disease, similar to toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease, is […]
Rady Re-Evaluating Recent Kawasaki Cases For New Pediatric Illness Tied To Coronavirus San Diego’s Children’s Hospital is reviewing patients it recently treated for Kawasaki disease to determine if they were actually suffering from a similar but rare new illness connected to the novel coronavirus. Doctors around the world, often in regions hit hardest by the pandemic, […]
Statement to the Media following the 2 May Pediatric Intensive Care-COVID-19 International Collaborative Conference Call With many parents throughout the world wondering about the new information presented by mainstream media regarding COVID-19 and Kawasaki Disease, we wanted to share some more detailed information on what has been happening among the experts in related fields. We […]
Kawasaki Disease & Coronavirus (HCoV-NL63) We’ve learned that some of our community members have expressed concerns about a past coronavirus and Kawasaki disease. Some of you may recall several years ago researchers, Esper et al.’s announced a link between a different coronavirus (HCoV-NL63) and KD (source 1). The study identified 53 children who had received […]
After we shared a recent study exploring the possibility of an unidentified virus as the cause of Kawasaki Disease, we received many thoughtful comments, questions, and concerns from our community. We’re grateful for your engagement and curiosity. To provide clarity and context, Dr. Anne H. Rowley, who led the study, offered a detailed explanation addressing […]
Breakthrough Study Links Kawasaki Disease to a Single, Unknown Respiratory Virus After more than five decades of uncertainty, researchers at Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago have uncovered compelling evidence pointing to a single respiratory virus—still unidentified—as the cause of Kawasaki disease. This marks a major […]
Comparing Two Treatments for IVIG-Resistant Kawasaki Disease – Evidence Update for Clinicians Children with resistant KD who received infliximab were more likely to have their fever resolve within 24 hours than were children who received a second dose of IVIG. On average, children who received infliximab also had shorter fever duration, spent less time in […]
Comparing Two Treatments for Resistant Kawasaki Disease – Evidence Update for Parents Compared with children who received a second dose of IVIG, children who received infliximab were more likely to have their fever end within 24 hours. Children who received infliximab also had shorter fevers and spent less time in the hospital than children who […]
Control Participants Needed: individuals with no history of KD and who are not first relatives of someone with a history of KD The Kawasaki Disease Research Center at the University of California, San Diego, is looking for participants for its Adult Kawasaki Study. Participants with a history of KD and no history of KD are […]
Dear Patient/Guardian, The Cardiac Clinic at SickKids is conducting a brief survey with Kawasaki Disease (KD) patients and families. As part of a quality improvement initiative, this survey has been provided to various online forums and organizations for distribution. The purpose of this survey: Your unique experiences living with a KD diagnosis are important to […]
Breakthrough Study Links Kawasaki Disease to a Single, Unknown Respiratory Virus After more than five decades of uncertainty, researchers at Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago have uncovered compelling evidence pointing to a single respiratory virus—still unidentified—as the cause of Kawasaki disease. This marks a major […]
Update on Diagnosis and Management of Kawasaki Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness mainly affecting children under 5 and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in developed countries. It can result in coronary artery dilation and aneurysms in 25% of untreated cases. […]
Join the Adult Kawasaki Study The Kawasaki Disease Research Center at the University of California, San Diego, is looking for participants for its Adult Kawasaki Study. This longitudinal study aims to investigate the long-term effects of KD in adults. The information obtained from the health questionnaires could provide valuable insights into the long-term outcomes for […]
Adult Kawasaki Disease Study Needs Control Participants The Kawasaki Disease Research team at the University of California, San Diego is currently looking for individuals over the age of 18 who have no previous history of Kawasaki Disease. They are seeking participants to be a part of their control group, which is required for their study […]
Pharmacogenomics of intravenous immunoglobulin response in Kawasaki disease Dr. Michael Portman recently presented findings from a groundbreaking study on Kawasaki disease (KD) at the Seattle Children’s Hospital KD Clinic. The study involved a whole genome sequencing of hundreds of thousands of KD patients to identify the genes responsible for the non-response of 20-30% of children […]
KD Aneurysm & Transition of Care A group of experts led by Dr. Tremoulet from the Kawasaki Disease Research Center at the University of California, San Diego has published a manuscript through the American Heart Association. The manuscript highlights the importance of a smooth transition of care for patients with aneurysms due to Kawasaki disease […]
Dr Michael Portman Explains How Cardiac Disease Differs Between Pediatric, Adult Patients During an interview at the 2022 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Chicago, the different types of cardiac diseases that present in pediatric patients vs adult patients were addressed by Michael A. Portman, MD, FAHA, director, Pediatric Cardiovascular Research, Center for Integrative Brain […]
Tolerability of COVID-19 Infection and Messenger RNA Vaccination Among Patients With a History of Kawasaki Disease Study shows that mRNA vaccines may be safe, and COVID-19 may not be severe for patients with a history of KD. READ MORE HERE>>
Pharmacy alumni and faculty work with research team to develop North America’s first test to predict Kawasaki disease A new tool under development by University at Buffalo researchers could one day help clinicians better predict resistance to immunoglobulin therapy among children with Kawasaki disease in the United States. The new tool – described in a […]
Kawasaki Disease Rates Dropped During COVID-19 Pandemic A study published by the Jama Network Open Pediatrics found that cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) in the United States dropped by 28% during the Covid-19 shelter in place orders. The decrease in ambient air pollution, masking and school closures, and reduced circulation of respiratory viruses are credited […]
Formal plans needed to support teens with Kawasaki disease in transition to adult care According to the American Heart Association, an increasing number of children who developed coronary artery aneurysms from Kawasaki disease are becoming adults and require transitioning to adult health care. However, a poor transition to an adult health care team could reduce […]
MIS-C and KD are on the same immune response continuum as COVID-19 A recent study revealed that MIS-C and KD are on the same immune response continuum as COVID-19, with MIS-C being a more severe version of the response than KD. The study was published on May 16, 2022, and can be read here. The […]
Sudden cardiac death in adult with prior history of Kawasaki disease without coronary artery involvement: A case report Lisa Connelly was 37 when she passed away from a massive heart attack on November 29, 2015. The pathology report showed that she had 50-80% blockage in her coronary arteries due to muscle cell build-up. The pathologist […]
Infliximab versus second intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of resistant Kawasaki disease in the USA (KIDCARE): a randomised, multicentre comparative effectiveness trial Summary Background Although intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is effective therapy for Kawasaki disease, 10–20% of patients have recrudescent fever as a sign of persistent inflammation and require additional treatment. We aimed to compare infliximab with […]
KD Newsletter from Dr. Jane Burns The KD Summer Newsletter from Dr. Jane C. Burns addresses updates on the Covid-19 vaccine, KD Cases in San Diego during Covid-19, and new research opportunities. Read the complete newsletter here: KD Newsletter-Summer2021. Jane C. Burns, M.D. Professor and Director, Kawasaki Disease Research Center Dept. of Pediatrics MC 0641 […]
THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN (MIS-C) WITH DR. ADRIANA TREMOULET Summary Four weeks after a COVID exposure, children may not be entirely in the clear. MIS-C is a post-infectious inflammatory state that affects pediatric patients and can lead to heart failure, acute abdomen, and a new Kawasaki-like syndrome in older […]
Researcher: Kawasaki Disease Spike In San Diego Likely Tied To Aerosol Particles An unusual and potentially deadly disease is making a growing number of San Diego County children sick, and researchers say it’s caused by something in the air. When 3-year-old Amelia Hurvitz was admitted to Rady Children’s Hospital in February, the toddler, with curly […]
Fever, conjunctivitis, rash, and belly pain KD case study written by two medical doctors highlights that children with KD and prominent GI (gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea) or hepatobiliary (having to do with the liver plus the gallbladder, bile ducts, or bile) involvement appear to be at a higher risk for IVIG […]
Treatment Intensification in Patients With Kawasaki Disease and Coronary Aneurysm at Diagnosis Coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) are a serious complication of Kawasaki disease. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) within 10 days of fever onset reduces the risk of CAA from 25% to <5%. Corticosteroids and infliximab are often used in high-risk patients or those with […]
Etanercept With IVIg for Acute Kawasaki Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Dr. Michael A. Portman and colleagues have published the results of a clinical trial showing benefits by etanercept (brand name Enbrel) for Kawasaki Disease patients. The results were published in the American Academy of Pediatrics journal Pediatrics. The manuscript abstract and publicly available video […]
Groundbreaking research at Seattle Children’s Hospital to help diagnose rare health condition SEATTLE – A groundbreaking researching happening right here in Washington is giving doctors new hope at better treating and diagnosing a rare health condition called Kawasaki disease. It’s a rare inflammatory condition that mostly affects children under 5. READ MORE>>
New study aims to better understand Kawasaki disease BALTIMORE – A new study looks to define the antibody characteristics, including clonality, of plasmablasts during Kawasaki Disease (KD). Findings from the study will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2019 Meeting, taking place on April 24 – May 1 in Baltimore. “We still don’t […]
New study identifies a previously unrecognized virus from a known virus family that has caused an infection in KD children during the onset of symptoms The results of a new study conducted by Dr. Anne Rowley and her team at Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of […]
Safety of Apixaban on pediatric heart disease on the prevention of embolism People with certain types of heart disease may need to take medication to prevent their blood from clotting. That medication is called an anticoagulant or a blood thinner. The purpose of this study is to find out whether the medicine called Apixaban (commonly […]
This article was published by Jackie Carr via UC San Diego Health on August 6, 2018. Researchers Identify Potential Diagnostic Test for Kawasaki Disease For the first time, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Imperial College London, with international collaborators, have determined that Kawasaki Disease (KD) can be accurately […]
Jamie Dukat’s KD Strong Story | How I transitioned from pediatric to adult cardiology How old were you when you were diagnosed with KD? If you were old enough to remember, how did you feel? What was your reaction to being treated for KD? If you were not old enough, what have your parents or […]
Chance’s Kawasaki Disease Story Chance was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease when he was 3 years old. He developed a fever on May 31, 2006, and was treated for a viral infection at a local urgent care clinic. Over the next 24-hours Chance’s fever rose higher, the lymph glands in his neck became significantly swollen, and […]
Calen Page By: Jennifer Page A committed group of people in Big Rapids, Michigan, are working to raise funds to support KD Research in the Quest for a Diagnostic Test. For many children, having a diagnostic test is the difference between life and death. It would have been for my beautiful son Calen James Page. […]
My Kawasaki Disease Journey | 26 Years Post KD and Healthy! Written by: Kate Davila My name is Kate Davila, and I had Kawasaki disease (KD) 26 years ago when I was 15 years old. I hope that my journey with this disease brings some comfort to your family. Even patients with heart complications can […]
The Jekums Family: Our KD Story Written by Sari Jekums Orange County, CA We began our journey with Kawasaki disease (KD) when my son was diagnosed four years ago. Even though my husband and I are both Registered Nurses, KD was not on our radar as we were taught many years ago that it […]