PANDAS is a Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep that is often misdiagnosed as a mental health disorder. As some of you know, our family is profoundly effected by PANDAS.

Because most doctors and mental health professionals are either not aware or misinformed about PANDAS, many families endure an exhausting, bewildering, and often terrifying journey, sometimes lasting for years, before they receive the correct diagnosis.

Once diagnosed, many families then face financial hurdles, since insurance coverage for this disease is dismal. IVIG is the recommended treatment for moderate to severe PANDAS, much like Chemo is the recommended treatment for moderate to severe cancer. But unlike chemo, IVIG is often not covered by insurance despite that fact that many kids do not stand a chance without this treatment.

Fortunately, there is now an amazing organization out there called SEPPA(Southeast PANS/PANDAS Association) doing the necessary work to educate doctors about PANDAS, as well as get PANDAS kids - including mine - the affordable quality care that they deserve.

Wondering what you can do to help? I am asking my community to give what you can to SEPPA, so that they can educate physicians and lobby to change health insurance legislation, ensuring that every PANDAS kid gets the help they need.