At picK, we seek to rescue both babies at risk for this preventable condition, AND those living with the lifelong consequences.

Those living with the K word, face many challenges.  They badly need hope.  When jaundice takes it’s toll, it can rob children of the ability to

eat
speak
sit
stand
grasp a utensil
hear
see

…all while their mental abilities are all intact.

Trapped in bodies that don’t work for them, those living with kernicterus have almost nothing in the way of treatment options.  Medicines and therapies do little to help.  There is no standard course of treatment.

There is no cure.

BUT, there are those working to change that.

There are those pursuing exciting new research that could drastically improve the lives of children and adults with kernicterus!  One of the leaders in this research is Dr. Steven Shapiro of Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Steve’s Credentials 

Chief of Neurology at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City / UMKC (University of Missouri-Kansas City and University of Kansa Medical Center).  He is highly published, having conducted over 30 years of research on Kernicterus and carried out over $6,000,000 in NIH funded research on the subject.  

Not only is the man brilliant and dedicated, but he has a passion for children with kernicterus and sees them as individuals in need of help, never science projects.  So yes, this scientist and physician with the great sense of humor, yes, we support this man in paving a better future for those living with kernicterus! 

THE PLAN

Steve’s career long dream has been to have a Kernicterus Center, and this year the KCKC (Kernicterus Center in Kansas City) has opened it’s doors with the seed money that Steve raised and help from some fabulous picK families!

His research there will explore treatment options such as Deep Brain Stimulation, Stem Cell treatments, and diagnostic tool kits for kernicterus.  The word “cure” is a tough word.  The effects of any disease that is “cured” almost always linger while the main effects have lessened.  While these treatments would not likely offer a complete cure – they could offer tremendous improvement in quality of life.  We don’t measure the difference between speaking and being nonverbal, between walking or using a wheelchair lightly.  Waking and average of 27 times per hour (from involuntary movement) or getting a good night’s sleep – that is no minor change.

These benefits would be IMMENSE for those living with the K word.

Essentially, by performing the research needed to map out effective treatments will provide the light needed to greatly diminish the effects of the K, which is our goal.

picK supports Dr. Shapiro and his work with both our time, our voices and our funds.  In 2013, Susan, our medical writer and board member donated over 300 hours of work in grant writing to help secure funds for the KCKC, while other board members donated dozens of hours into gathering needed data and letters of support as well.

picK families have worked to raise funds by planning events, doing a silent auction etc both for picK and CMH’s KCKC.

Will you join us in this adventure to rescue?  Will you reach out and help these families looking for hope? 

#kickingtheK #stopKI #research #KCKC

(At this point in time, picK is not able to raise funds directly for the KCKC, but picK families are welcome and encouraged to do so, on their own.)