Join Team EKF for the Quad Cities Marathon and Half-Marathon

Want to get in shape?  Want to be inspired?  Want to try something new?  Then you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Erika Kate Foundation.  Join Team EKF on Sunday, September 27th, 2009 in Moline, Illinois for the 13th Annual Quad Cities Half-Marathon and Marathon.  Runners and walkers of every ability can choose to participate in a 5K run  (3.2 miles), a half-marathon (13.1 miles), a five person marathon relay, or a marathon (26.2 miles).  It will be a fulfilling journey with amazing dividends.  Watch the EKF website beginning the week ...

A Mother’s Heart: Reflections

As a mother, it’s a day like no other, the anniversary of a sweet, innocent daughter’s death. Even though Erika has been physically away from our family for three years now, her spirit definitely lives on in each of us. We see Erika in the sparkle within Ella's eyes and her playful nature; in Evan, we hear her laughter and see her smile; and in Emma, we notice her nurturing nature and love for others as characteristics from her sister who loved people so deeply.  

Now Available for a Limited Time . . .

Erika Kate Foundation T-Shirts An EKF supporter in Memphis, Tennessee has created a fashion jeweled t-shirt featuring the EKF logo.  Shirts are available in white or pink.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these shirts will be used to support the work of the Foundation.  The shirts are being sold for $30 each.  Orders can be placed directly via www.sweet-shirt.com .  If you have questions or need help with your order, please send us an email at info@erikakate.org [caption id="attachment_693" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="t-shirt design"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_694" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="White"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_692" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Pink"][/caption]

North Suburban Chicago Family Reflects on Daughter’s Journey with CHD

The Meyer family, from Lake Villa, Illinois, is our latest featured 'Friends of EKF' family.  John and Danielle Meyer reflect on the life and journey of their beautiful baby girl, Giselle Adoline.   Treated at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital, Giselle lost her battle with a rare congenital heart defect after complications from corrective surgery.  Click here to read more about baby Giselle.

‘Friend of EKF’ Family Featured in New York Times Article

Every now and then, the New York Times publishes a series they call "Neediest Cases".   The purpose of the series is to inform readers about people in a particularly difficult situation in need of assistance.  The Times communicates the circumstances and the needs and then provides readers a means of offering aid to the people featured in the article.  On January 24th, 2009, our 'Friend of EKF', Leslie Lopez and her boys Johan and Tariq were profiled as one of New York's "Neediest Cases".   Click here to read the article, and notice the brief mention of the Erika Kate Foundation.  Thanks Leslie for ...

Local Elementary School Raises Funds for EKF

On March 11, 2009, Mulberry Elementary School in Muscatine, Iowa kicked off a school-wide fundraiser benefiting the Erika Kate Foundation. Mrs. Julie Minder, a third grade teacher, is credited with the idea of hosting the fundraiser to support the work of the Foundation. According to Mrs. Minder, “I thought it was a good idea for the school to support the work of the Foundation.  It’s important for our students to understand that they can reach out with compassion to help families in need.  EKF was started by Mulberry parents and is named after one of our students.  It seemed like a ...

Tokyo Boy in NYC to Await Heart Transplant

Eleven year old Hiroki Ando, of Tokyo, Japan, arrives in New York City to await a heart transplant at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian.  Click Hiroki’s image to read more about his journey with cardiomyopathy.  Read More →

A Mother’s Heart: 6/1/2009 - Step By Step

I am so thankful for the privilege of being a stay at home mom.  It’s the most physically and emotionally demanding job; but it’s also the most fulfilling job on earth.  I love the days that are filled with little voices calling, “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!”, noses needing wiped, train tracks all over the floor, dollies needing cared for, baskets of books in every room, balls of every size... [Read more]

Friends of EKF: A Mother’s Day Wish

Julie Howard-Snyder has only one wish for Mother’s Day.  “My wish is to keep my son as healthy as I can.  My best Mother’s day wish has already come through because Matthew is home with me now.”  Matthew Eilers has had an extremely difficult 15- year journey which culminated in his receipt of a new heart on March 16, 2009 at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York- Presbyterian. ... [Read more]