The proclamation recognized the Kawasaki Disease Foundation's mission to raise awareness of the serious illness, which is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Kawasaki Disease (KD) primarily affects infants under the age of 5 and is diagnosed in 4,000 to 5,000 children per year. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Last year, 100 new patients were diagnosed with KD in San Diego. Fortunately, we are home to the only dedicated KD research center in the U.S. – a joint effort between UCSD's Medical Center and Rady Children's Hospital.