Q. How did you first become connected to Kawasaki Disease and the Kawasaki Disease Foundation?
A. My journey with the Kawasaki Disease Foundation began in 2006 when my son, Chance, was diagnosed
with Kawasaki Disease at the age of three. As a result of the illness, Chance developed two coronary artery aneurysms. This was an overwhelming and life-changing experience for our family. In those early days, I reached out to the Foundation’s Bridges Program, where compassionate volunteers guided us through the uncertainty of Chance’s diagnosis and treatment.
The support and understanding of the KD Bridges Program volunteers was invaluable and inspired me to give back. By 2008, after Chance’s health had stabilized, and with the help of fellow Board Member, Karin Wicker, I began volunteering with the Bridges Program to help other families navigate their own KD journeys.
Q. What is your current role on the KDF board, and how long have you been serving in this position?
A. I have served on the Kawasaki Disease Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2022. In my role, I contribute to strategic planning, advocacy initiatives, and community outreach. In 2023, I was honored to take on additional responsibilities as co-lead of the Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes and supports outstanding students whose lives have been impacted by KD in their collegiate pursuits. This position allows me to combine my passion for patient advocacy with my professional background in education and research, helping advance the Foundation’s mission in meaningful ways.
Q. What inspired you to get involved with the foundation, and what motivates you to continue your work here?
A. My inspiration to become involved with the Kawasaki Disease Foundation began in 2006 when my son, Chance, was diagnosed with KD and developed two coronary artery aneurysms. During that difficult time, the Foundation’s Bridges Program provided critical guidance, information, and emotional support that helped my family navigate his diagnosis and treatment. The compassion and knowledge shared by KDF volunteers left a lasting impression on me. Once Chance’s health stabilized, I felt a strong calling to give back, and in 2008, I began volunteering with the Bridges Program to help other families facing similar challenges.
What motivates me to continue is the knowledge that early awareness, education, and connection to resources can truly change outcomes for KD patients. Every opportunity to support families, raise awareness, and contribute to research and scholarship initiatives feels like a step toward ensuring no one has to face this journey alone.
Living through my son’s diagnosis and long-term cardiac complications has given me a profound understanding of the fears, questions, and challenges KD families face. That personal perspective shapes every interaction I have within the Foundation. Whether mentoring a parent through the Bridges Program, advocating for awareness, supporting research initiatives, or reviewing scholarship applications. My goal is to provide the same level of compassion, clarity, and encouragement that others once provided to me. I firmly believe that when lived experience meets professional expertise, the result is powerful, patient-centered advocacy.
Q. Looking back on your time with the KDF, what are some of the proudest moments or accomplishments you’ve been a part of?
A. While every opportunity to serve the KD community has been meaningful, one of my proudest moments was organizing and leading a Kawasaki Disease awareness and fundraising event in 2022 alongside my pharmacy students. Not only did we raise funds for the Foundation, but we also educated our local community about KD and its impact, creating both awareness and advocacy among future healthcare professionals. Another accomplishment I hold dear is being invited to join the KDF Board of Directors in 2022 and later being asked to co-lead the Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship in 2023. Through the scholarship program, I have had the privilege of helping recognize and support remarkable students whose lives have been touched by KD. Each of these moments reflects my deep commitment to honoring my son’s journey and giving back to a community that once supported us.
My hope is to help expand the Foundation’s reach, ensuring that no family navigates KD without access to reliable information, emotional support, and a strong community. I am particularly passionate about raising awareness among healthcare providers and the general public, fostering partnerships that enhance research funding, and developing
initiatives that empower patients and families. I also aim to integrate my background in pharmacy education and population health to support evidence-based advocacy and program development.
Q. Outside of your work with the KDF, what do you enjoy doing in your free time – any favorite hobbies, activities, or passions?
A. Outside of my professional and volunteer commitments, my greatest joy comes from spending quality time with my family. My favorite role in life is being a husband to my wife, Erica, and a father to our two children, Chance and Cachetyn. We love traveling together, exploring the outdoors, and supporting the Ole Miss Rebels. Our adventures often include discovering new cultures, especially through local coffee shops and unique eateries. In addition, I am passionate about mentoring future health professionals, not only in the classroom but also through hands-on research projects and community events that prepare them to make a meaningful impact in their careers.