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 23rd – THANK YOU!
The funds raised will benefit the Foundation’s programs to support families affected by Kawasaki disease, research, and awareness initiatives. To learn more about our work and impact, please visit the about us section.
Kevin Finegan
Kevin Finegan joined the #KDAC2019 for his daughter who, unfortunately, had a delayed KD diagnosis earlier this year and was unable to receive IVIG treatment. Kevin challenged himself to run during the summer and completed 81.76 miles while raising KD awareness and $620 for KD. Thank you, Kevin, for your commitment to this cause!
“I want to help any and all children I can to not have to ever worry about this disease in the future. THIS is my mission,” says Kevin Finegan.
Jenny Thornton
Jenny Thornton joined the #KDAC2019 for her son, Levi. At six months old, he was diagnosed with KD and had the best treatment at Lurie Children’s Hospital. He continues with yearly cardiology appointments to monitor his heart and takes a daily baby aspirin. Before his diagnosis, Jenny had never heard of KD, and Levi went untreated for 11 days.
Jenny challenged herself to run during the summer and completed 64.82 miles while raising KD awareness and $500 for KD. Thank you, Jenny, for your commitment to this cause!
“I want to help spread awareness for KD so that others can get treatment quicker. We are also hopeful for a diagnostic test for KD in the future. Levi is now a happy, stubborn, and healthy, almost 3-year-old,” says Jenny Thornton.
Greg Thornton
Greg Thornton joined the #KDAC2019 for his son. Greg challenged himself to ride, run, walk, and hike during the summer and completed 240.08 miles while raising KD awareness and $550 for KD. Thank you, Greg, for your commitment to this cause!
“Our son was diagnosed with giant aneurysms after 11 days of KD. Everything resolved and tho we had a happy ending we will do anything to prevent even one family from going through that,” says Greg Thornton.
Karla Alarcon
Karla Alarcon joined the #KDAC2019 for her son. Karla challenged herself to ride, run, walk, and hike during the summer and completed 336.77 miles while raising KD awareness and $500 for KD. Thank you, Karla, for your commitment to this cause!
“In February 2018 Marcellus my 2 yr old was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease and spent two weeks in the hospital. I run to help raise awareness and to support those who are currently going through this as well as the Kawasaki warriors who have fought it in the past,” says Karla Alarcon.
Nate Belshaw
Nate Belshaw joined the #KDAC2019 for his son. Nate challenged himself to bike during the summer and completed 290.69 miles while raising KD awareness and $150 for KD. Thank you, Nate, for your commitment to this cause!
“I ride for my son. No parent or child should have to endure KD. My goal is to create awareness and research funding to find an END and cure for KD,” says Nate Belshaw.
Matt Crosson
Matt Crosson joined the #KDAC2019 to support a family friend whose son passed away from KD. Matt challenged himself to bike during the summer and completed 40.36 miles while raising KD awareness and $150 for KD. Thank you, Matt, for your commitment to this cause!
Vicki Trucksess
Vicki Trucksess joined the #KDAC2019 for all KD kids. Vicki challenged herself to run during the summer and completed 79.12 miles while raising KD awareness and $210 for KD. Thank you, Vicki, for your commitment to this cause!
“I’m running to raise awareness for Kawasaki disease! I was diagnosed with KD in 2001, and I’m choosing to do this challenge and fundraiser to help raise awareness and funds for research!,” says Vicki Trucksess.
Meghan Murphy
Meghan Murphy joined the #KDAC2019 for all KD kids. Meghan was diagnosed with KD when she was one year old and was told by her parents and grandparents of the difficult time doctors had diagnosing her. She received two IVIG treatments and walked away without any serious complications. Meghan challenged herself to run during the summer and completed 101.58 miles while raising KD awareness and $270 for KD. Thank you, Meghan, for your commitment to this cause!
“The EKG that gave the doctors the confidence to finally say I was completely in the clear is now tattooed on my ribs forever. I know there are families and children out there who are not this lucky, and that is why I want to complete this challenge and raise awareness for them. This is my mission. I hope whoever is able to donate and support, for not only myself but the other families and individuals participating in this challenge, will consider donating,” says Meghan Murphy.
Jennifer Voigt
Jennifer Voigt joined the #KDAC2019 for all KD kids. Jennifer challenged herself to walk during the summer and completed 13.87 miles while raising KD awareness and $125 for KD. Thank you, Jennifer, for your commitment to this cause!
“I’m walking so kiddos like Trevor don’t have to live with the complications of KD!” says Jennifer Voigt.