Caleb Castle-Parker was born ten weeks premature. At the time, his parents didn’t know how his prematurity might affect him (if at all) long-term. But Caleb seemed to be a relatively happy, healthy child. Then, around his first birthday, his health shifted. The Independent UK reports that Ella, Caleb’s mother, and James Elderkin, Caleb’s father, grew increasingly frightened after Caleb suddenly broke out in rashes. His eyes were bloodshot and his lips, hands, and feet were swollen and red. Within a few days, Caleb spiked a 104 degree fever. It wasn’t until further hospital visits that the family received the Kawasaki disease diagnosis.

Caleb’s Kawasaki Disease Experience

Doctors don’t know what causes Kawasaki disease, a rare condition characterized by inflammation in the walls of small and medium-sized blood vessels; eventually, coronary arteries also become inflamed. Children who are male, under five years old, and of Asian or Pacific Island descent are more likely to develop Kawasaki disease than other groups. Symptoms reported by Caleb’s mother are in-line with the first phase of the disease. By the second phase, symptoms shift to peeling skin, joint and abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Finally, symptoms disappear in the third phase, which takes around eight weeks. 

Treatment reduces the risk of complications and should be given as soon as possible. Without treatment, complications may affect the heart function. In Caleb’s case, he was immediately given high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Luckily, he seems to have a made a full recovery—though, of course, his parents are still worried about what might come in the future. 

Since Caleb’s diagnosis, his parents have both gotten increasingly involved in advocacy and awareness efforts. Elderkin even became an administrator for the UK Kawasaki Disease Foundation. Their goal is that, by sharing their story, they can help provide support and comfort to others in the same boat.