This month, we are so proud to shine our Intern Spotlight on siblings Joshua and Charlotte, who have brought incredible heart, dedication, and creativity to KDF Youth. Joshua’s experience with KD at a young age inspired him to share his voice and spread awareness so that other families would have the resources his didn’t have at the time. Charlotte, motivated by her twin brother’s journey, jumped in alongside him to give back, create meaningful content, and support families navigating KD. Together, they embody the very spirit of our mission, turning personal experience into purpose and using their voices to uplift others in the KD community. Joshua and Charlotte, your passion, teamwork, and commitment inspire us all. We are so grateful for everything you do for KDF and KDF Youth!
Joshua:
Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first got connected to the Kawasaki Disease Foundation?
A. Ever since I was diagnosed with KD, my mom has been subscribed to the KDF newsletters. When I saw an opportunity to get involved with the foundation through a youth program, I knew it was my opportunity to make a difference.
Q. What inspired you to get involved as a KDF intern, and what has your volunteer work focused on?
A. The hard work and impact of the KD Foundation is what inspired me to get involved. My volunteer work has been focused on spreading awareness on KD.
Q. What’s been the most meaningful part of volunteering with KDF so far?
A. Being able to spread awareness on KD has been extremely meaningful for me, because my parents did not have access to this information when I was first diagnosed with it.
Q. If you could share one message with other young people affected by KD or looking to get involved, what would it be?
A. To those who have been affected by KD or are looking to get involved, you are not alone; don’t be afraid to share your story because your voice matters.
Q. Just for fun—what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A. Something interesting about me is that I am double-jointed.
Charlotte:
Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first got connected to the Kawasaki Disease Foundation?
A. Hi! My name is Charlotte, and I’m a rising high school sophomore from New Jersey. I first became connected with the Kawasaki Disease Foundation after learning about how its extensive resources and support programs helped my family through my twin brother’s KD diagnosis at age 3.
Q. What inspired you to get involved as a KDF intern, and what has your volunteer work focused on?
A. My mother has been subscribed to the KDF newsletters ever since my twin brother’s diagnosis, and I read about KDF Youth in one of the email newsletter updates. I wanted to give back to the KDF, support families navigating a KD diagnosis and help raise life-saving awareness surrounding the disease because early treatment is crucial to prevent the development of heart complications, and the KDF Youth team was the perfect way I could contribute. My volunteer work has focused on creating social media content for the KDFYouth instagram and TikTok and supporting the KDF’s campaigns to help raise awareness about KD.
Q. What’s been the most meaningful part of volunteering with KDF so far?
A. The most meaningful part of volunteering with the KDF has been working with dedicated, positive team members towards the same goal. It’s also been a rewarding experience to pick up skills in project planning and communications/outreach.
Q. If you could share one message with other young people affected by KD or looking to get involved, what would it be?
A. Getting diagnosed with KD can feel scary, but you’re not alone. You are stronger than KD, and you have the power to make a difference with your voice!
Q. Just for fun—what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A. I’m an avid collector and consumer of notebooks and notepads (I keep a growing pile in my closet).