When I was five months old, I was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease. This was in the year 2000, and at that point I was the second youngest patient ever admitted with the illness at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. I was treated there and admitted with a 106-degree fever (that would not come down with medication). I don't remember much since I was so young, but my family says I was irritable, had rashes all over my body, blood shot eyes and red hands and feet. At the time we didn't know why i had it. Doctors said it was a viral illness from being exposed to chemicals like carpet cleaning. My parents swore I was never exposed to that; so my case is still unknown. My parents were also told that it was more common in kids of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, which I am, but also boys and kids over the age of two. Again, I was just five months old and a baby girl.

 

The doctor explained to my parents that Kawasaki Disease causes the blood vessels throughout the body to enlarge, especially the coronary arteries that supply blood directly to the heart. The illness is dangerous; it could cause an aneurysm or even an aortic rupture. That meant at any time I could have had a heart attack or stroke. At the worst, my platelet count was over one million. doctors say A normal infant platelet count is between 150,000 and 450,000.

 

I was immediately treated with medication. Doctors say, as with many illnesses, early diagnosis is key to recovery. The doctors told my parents that if Kawasaki is treated within the first ten days of illness, you can make a full recovery. They think they caught my illness on day four. After the first twenty-four hours, my mother says it was like I miraculously came back to life. I was followed up for years as a child with echocardiograms to monitor any possible damage or enlargements of my heart. but thankfully, the tests all came back normal.

 

Even though I do not remember any of this, it was a very scary and trying time for my parents and family. I couldn't be more thankful for the doctors at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for their expertise and taking such good care of me and my family.

this is why I am so appreciative of the American Heart Association’s dedication to fighting heart disease and stroke. The funding, research, and education is all dedicated to improving cardiovascular health. The AHA is a relentless force dedicated to a world of healthier lives. Their work uplifting heart survivors, like me, is invaluable. That's why I'm so excited to take part in the Omaha Heart Walk. I hope you'll join me.