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Kawa What? Maybe you have never heard of Kawasaki Disease. Let me tell you a little about KD:
Kawasaki Disease has shown its ugly face in our home too many times. Once was enough, but twice, possibly three times? "Unheard Of" the doctors say. Researchers have written that one theory is that Kawasaki Disease is an "autoimmune" disorder. This is only one of several theories behind the number one cause of acquired heart disease in children. As of yet, KD is considered to be a disease of "unknown etiology", meaning they don't know what causes kids to get KD. This site is designed for information purposes ONLY and is not intended to be a medical source. The purpose of this site is to promote understanding and to share ideas.
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THAT'S ME FOURTEEN YEARS AGO
Hard to believe it has been so long since this picture was taken. I can still remember! This picture was taken the day I came home from the hospital after a 5 day stay with my second round of Kawasaki Disease. I was 6 1/2 years old in February 1994. My name is Steven.... I am now 20 years old, and have just finished my junior year in college. I enjoy playing guitar, drums, singing, and acting. I am an Eagle Scout. I thank God for the blessings in my life! WELCOME TO MY SITE!
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We started this site on February 9, 2004, one day before my ten year anniversary of KD. Many of you are just learning about KD, and my message to you is: There is hope. I am a "statistic", I guess, because I have had KD twice, and less than 1% of the kids who get KD, have a recurrence. I first had KD in February 1990, and then again in February 1994, almost exactly 4 years later. I would love to hear some of your stories and if possible, put a picture of your child on the site. I live in Alabama, USA.
PARENT ALERT! If you're wondering about Kawasaki Disease, or you think your child may have this illness, please call your doctor immediately, or take the child to the nearest Children's Hospital Emergency Room! |
A LITTLE ABOUT KD:
There are many signs and symptoms of Kawasaki Disease, a rare disorder that affects children all over the world. First noted by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, of the Red Cross Hospital, in Japan in 1967, thus earning the name "Kawasaki Syndrome", Kawasaki Disease has become one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease among children. Although Kawasaki Disease is becoming more well known than in the early days, it is still a very rare condition, affecting only about 3,000 children in the United States each year. The disease is very hard to detect since some of the symptoms disappear before others show themselves. It is important when your child is sick to note all symptoms, even if some have already gone away. Because it is so rare, and the treatment is risky, patients must meet certain criteria for diagnosis. Symptoms of Kawasaki disease include: a fever that lasts at least 5 days, red eyes, swollen red lips and tongue, a body rash, swollen feet and hands, and swollen lymph nodes.
VISIT MY OTHER SITE - "A KAWASAKI HEART"
CHECK OUT THE BRACELETS FOR KD AWARENESS ON THE "BRACELETS" PAGE
FIRST ANNUAL KAWASAKI DISEASE AWARENESS DAY - MAY 5TH, 2005 All across the United States, and abroad, families are pitching in to help promote awareness of Kawasaki Disease. Click on the Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day Page to see photos of some of the events held beginning May 5th. Thanks for supporting "A Kawasaki Heart" |
Day 2 of Hospital Stay
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