WHY WE PLAY
COREY'S CREW
Corey’s story is at the heart of why we play.
At just two years old, what began as an illness shortly after Thanksgiving quickly became something far more serious. Due to his delayed diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease, Corey suffered significant heart damage and developed coronary artery aneurysms, including a giant aneurysm in his LCMA that he still has today. After a cardiac event days into his initial hospitalization in Greenville, SC, he was ultimately airlifted to MUSC in Charleston for specialized care.
That experience changed our family — and eventually brought us to Philadelphia. We made the decision to relocate from South Carolina so Corey could receive his ongoing care from the incredible team at CHOP’s Cardiac Center, where he continues to be closely monitored and cared for.
Today, Corey gets to do what we always hoped he would: be a kid. He started kindergarten (!), runs, golfs, plays piano, and cheers for the Phillies. While his heart journey is something our family will always carry with us, so is the gratitude we have for the doctors, nurses and entire cardiac team who have helped get him here.
Two years ago, we created Corey’s Crew to rally our family and friends around Corey and support the CHOP Cardiac Center through the annual CHOP Spin In. This year, we’re kicking it up a notch. Kickin’ Kawasaki is an opportunity to expand Corey’s Crew beyond a single event and bring even more people together to show our thanks for Dr. Elias and Corey's cardiac team and the countless other families who rely on CHOP for specialized, family-centered care.
WHAT IS KAWASAKI DISEASE?
Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a rare illness that primarily affects young children and causes inflammation in the body’s blood vessels. It can affect the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, and without timely treatment, can lead to serious heart complications.
The good news? Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of heart damage, and most children who are diagnosed and treated promptly recover well. The challenge is that Kawasaki Disease can be difficult to recognize because its symptoms can look like many other common childhood illnesses.
Because Corey’s diagnosis was delayed, raising awareness of KD has become an important goal of our family. We hope that by helping more parents recognize the signs and know when to ask questions, we can help more children get the treatment they need as early as possible.
Learn the symptoms. Know the signs. When something doesn’t feel right, ask questions!
Learn more about Kawasaki Disease → Kawasaki Disease Foundation
Learn more about Kawasaki Disease → Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
For Corey and our family, the Kawasaki Disease Program at CHOP, led by his cardiologist, Dr. Elias, has been a game changer. The expertise, collaboration and family-centered care we’ve received have given us answers, guidance and reassurance as we navigate Corey’s ongoing heart journey.
But CHOP’s Cardiac Center is about so much more than Kawasaki Disease. From innovative technology and state-of-the-art facilities to breakthrough research, specialized treatments and comprehensive support services, CHOP is advancing pediatric cardiac care and helping children with a wide range of heart conditions live healthier, fuller lives.
That’s why we’re proud to donate the proceeds from Kickin’ Kawasaki to CHOP’s Cardiac Center. By taking part in this year's Kickin' Kawasaki event, you're joining us in giving back to the team that has given our family so much while supporting the research, care and innovation that can make a difference for countless children and families.
THANK YOU!