We still don’t know much about Long COVID, particularly in children. Experts say children often present symptoms that are different from adults and can be very difficult to treat. Moreover, it can be hard for parents to differentiate Long COVID symptoms from other illnesses, so they struggle to provide help. The U.K.-based patient resource Long COVID Kids (LCK) strives to restore hope that children and teens with Long COVID can once again thrive.*

About Long COVID Kids

Long COVID Kids & Friends is a nonprofit registered in England, Wales, and Scotland, though its services benefit children and teens in the U.S. and elsewhere. The organization consists of volunteers who all have firsthand Long COVID and/or other post-viral illness experience. 

In 2020, both LCK CEO and founder Sammie Mcfarland and her daughter developed severe Long COVID. Following that experience, Mcfarland was determined to help improve the health of children and young people living with the condition. In 2021, LCK became the world’s first Long COVID charity based in the U.K.

The organization advocates for young people with Long COVID by providing key decision-makers with an evolving view of life with Long COVID. 

With the help of experts in health, education, and politics, LCK works to:

• Raise awareness of Long COVID and pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome
• Improve outcomes for children and families affected by the disease
• Promote pediatric Long COVID research

On a mission

Mcfarland says her organization “calls for recognition, support and recovery for children and young people living with Long COVID.” LCK’s mission can be divided into four areas.

• Fostering awareness of Long COVID and its symptoms; and Post ICU (intensive care unit) syndrome, which can accompany pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome
• Providing support services for families, children, and teens affected by Long COVID
• Promoting pediatric Long COVID research around the globe, including participating in patient-led research, while also providing consulting to researchers and policymakers
• Advocating for and representing children in Long COVID expert forums, research panels, political groups, and health organizations

“The resilience of the children and young people we support inspires and motivates our team daily,” the organization’s website states. “Through collaboration, partnerships and generous donations of time, skills and funds, the Long Covid Kids team have achieved more than we could have imagined in our first year as a charity.”

Get a free support guide here, or visit LCK’s website for more information.

*Long Covid Kids Charity | Recognition. Support. Recovery. (n.d.). Long Covid Kids. https://www.longcovidkids.org/