Tomasiku Kawasaki, MD, the world renowned Japanese doctor who first identified the mysterious childhood disease known as Kawasaki disease, will be the keynote speaker at a free parent symposium in the Bigler Auditorium of Children’s Memorial Hospital, at the intersection of Fullerton and Lincoln avenues and Halsted St., from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27.
Dr. Kawasaki will lead an interactive session on Kawasaki disease, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. He will be joined by several physician experts from Children’s Memorial as well as other Chicago area experts who will discuss advancements being made in Kawasaki disease research.
Dr. Kawasaki will also be the guest of honor at a gala dinner and fundraiser to raise money for Kawasaki disease research on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Chicago Historical Society.
For more information on the parent symposium or gala dinner, call (630) 736-3186 or visit kdfoundation.org.
Kawasaki disease affects between 5,000 and 10,000 children of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds in the United States each year. The cause is not known and there is no test to diagnose it. Kawasaki disease is often confused with other less severe illnesses causing a delay in treatment. If not detected and treated in a timely manner, Kawasaki disease can result in serious heart damage or death.
Over the past 21 years, the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Memorial Hospital has cared for more than 900 children with Kawasaki disease. Children’s Memorial is considered a leading center for Kawasaki disease treatment and research. |
