Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the UK, and a renewed push is underway to raise awareness of the condition and encourage blood and plasma donations to help those affected.
Rebecca Nako,51,a London-based cognitive neuroscience researcher,is a passionate advocate for Kawasaki disease awareness and the importance of plasma donation. Her advocacy stems from her daughter Winifred’s diagnosis and accomplished treatment, and a desire to help other families recognize the early warning signs of childhood illnesses.
To mark International Kawasaki disease Awareness Day on Monday, January 26, Dr. Emily MacDonagh joined Rebecca at the NHSBT’s plasma donor center in Twickenham. There, Rebecca made her first plasma donation, motivated by the life-saving treatment her daughter received.
Winifred’s Story: A Mother’s Urgent Plea
For Rebecca, raising awareness is paramount, ensuring parents and caregivers know when to seek medical attention and that children receive timely, perhaps life-saving treatment.
In December 2023, between Christmas and New Year, 7-year-old Winifred developed a fever that lingered for several days. Initially, her symptoms seemed mild, resembling a common seasonal illness.
“It wasn’t like winifred was massively ill,” Rebecca recalls. “She wasn’t lying on the sofa lifeless – she just had a temperature and generally wasn’t feeling very well.”
After days without improvement, Rebecca consulted a friend and took winifred to the hospital as a precaution. Following initial checks, the family was reassured and sent home.However, after returning to school, rebecca received a call informing her that Winifred had developed unexplained hives.
Rebecca shared photos of the hives with a friend, a paediatric A&E consultant, who happened to be preparing a training presentation on Kawasaki disease for resident doctors at a national event. After reviewing the images, he advised Rebecca to return to the hospital to rule out the condition.
“At that point, I had only ever heard of Kawasaki disease from a Gray’s Anatomy episode,” Rebecca admitted. “I never imagined it could be something that could affect my own child.”
Winifred was taken to the Royal Free hospital in London,where doctors performed extensive tests,including heart scans. Rebecca, unfamiliar with Kawasaki disease, initially worried about appearing overly dramatic when discussing her concerns with hospital staff.
early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize the risk of serious heart complications. More facts about the disease is available on the NHS website and the Societi website.
Every blood and plasma donor makes a vital contribution to producing these life-saving medicines. To learn more, book an appointment, or register as a blood or plasma donor, please visit our website, download the NHS Give Blood app, or call 0300 123 23 23.
