Join us to solve the mystery of Kawasaki disease. Support this petition now!

We believe Kawasaki disease is an ideal candidate for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (chanzuckerberg.com), whose support can propel research to cure, prevent and better manage this debilitating disease in our children’s lifetime.

The most common cause of acquired heart disease in children and an emerging health threat in the developing world, Kawasaki disease causes inflammation of the coronary arteries. Left untreated, the disease leads to the formation of aneurysms in 25 percent of affected children.

More than 40 years after Kawasaki disease was discovered there is still no diagnostic test for the disease, and the pathogen that causes it—whether toxin, fungus, or other agent—remains a mystery. However, a unique disease paradigm is emerging that consists of genetic predisposition and a wind-borne trigger (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/05/140519-kawasaki-disease-japan-china-wind-science/).

Mobilizing cutting edge research and global efforts in these 3 areas can bring immediate impact to change outcomes for Kawasaki disease:
1. CAUSE: Still unknown after 40 years with cases rising, the next level of understanding actively being studied will likely uncover preventions and a cure, with applications to other diseases as well.
2. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS: A particularly sinister disease which on the surface can resemble many illnesses with rash and fevers, Kawasaki disease requires timely diagnosis to minimize long-term and life-threatening coronary effects yet still lacks a specific diagnostic test.
3. AFFORDABLE AND AVAILABLE TREATMENTS: In developed countries, children are treated with high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), but this therapy is expensive and is simply unavailable in many regions of the world.