Welcome to KDF Youth! 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.
Purpose
To increase KD awareness among teens and youth.
Projects
Raising awareness through social media platforms of Instagram (@kdfyouth) and Tiktok (@kdfyouth), helping with promotion of major KD events, designing apparel, and fundraising for KD research.
Join KDF Youth!
KDF Youth is searching for interns for the Summer and Fall KDF Youth Internship Program. To apply and find out more about the position, click here.
Meet the Team
Name & Role: Ellen Xu, KDF Youth Team Lead & KDF Communications Intern
Location: San Diego, CA
Projects: KDF AI Photo Project
Why KDF Youth?
I want to spread awareness for KD because I want to help the thousands of children and families affected by KD each year. My sister had the disease when she was younger, and she inspires me to raise awareness for others like her.
I hope to help generate KD awareness, inspire action within youth, and support the KD Foundation and KDF Youth in our mission to fight against KD.
Name & Role: Brooke Solés-Dawn, KDF Youth Team Member & KDF Communications Intern
Location: Washington, D.C.
Projects: KDF Youth Team Development
Why KDF Youth?
I want to spread awareness because KD is not as well known as people think it is. When I had KD at age 4, I was misdiagnosed several times. I live in Washington, DC, and doctors hadn’t heard of it. I was diagnosed late, and I want survivors and patients currently fighting this disease to be able to receive treatment before there is a risk of long-lasting effects. With awareness, we can do that!
I hope to have KD be known internationally, so families of those fighting KD and the patients themselves don’t feel confused or alone. I’m so excited to also reach a younger audience with the youth team as well.