Online help launched by Newark-based Societi Foundation to support teens with Kawasaki disease

A dedicated online channel has been created for young people with Kawasaki disease.

The new online resource, created by a Newark-based charity, aims to answer questions those affected by the illness might have, with no topic off limits.

It features up-to-date, reliable information ­— backed by experts in Kawasaki disease, which causes the blood vessels to become inflamed and swollen.

Behind the My Societi channel is Newark-based charity Societi Foundation.

Rachael McCormack, of Societi said: “Young people affected by Kawasaki disease face many issues, life-long heightened risks and a fair bit of uncertainty.

“For those most seriously affected with lasting heart damage, young people live with the risk of a major cardiac event, like a heart attack. As a teenager, that can be a lot to cope with.

“With much out-dated and often wrong information out there and far too much that’s just frightening written about Kawasaki disease, as a mum I wanted to create an online place where young people could find doctor-backed answers to questions, as well as support by knowing they’re not alone.”

Paediatric cardiologist, Professor Robert Tulloh, said: “There’s a growing number of young people now living with Kawasaki disease and reasonably, young people have questions.

“My Societi will play a really important role here. It’s packed with information for its target 13 to 18 age group, with personal experiences and age-appropriate content that gives young people living with Kawasaki disease an understanding of their diagnosis and what it means for them.

“They can get to know more about key issues and risks which they might face and make informed judgments about their own health and lifestyle going forward into adulthood.”

To find out more, go to https://mysocieti.org.uk/