PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep. In a nut shell, an antibiotic resistant strain of strep takes over your body. It mimics healthy cells, creates an autoimmune response that reeks havoc on your body, causes inflammation in your brain, and reduces your body’s immunity to all kinds of illnesses.
Liv's Story
Some of you may already know this - but in January of this year, Liv was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called PANDAS.
We are lucky that after a long hard 5 years of illnesses, doctor’s visits and school absences, she finally got a diagnosis and we are getting her the treatment that she needs to get better. She’s not 100% - but she is on the way. But, because most doctors and mental health professionals are either not aware or misinformed about PANDAS, most kids often endure a long & terrifying journey before they receive the correct diagnosis.
Fortunately, there is now an amazing organization in our area called SEPPA (Southeast PANS/PANDAS Association) doing the necessary work to educate doctors about PANDAS, as well as working with legislators to change policy and get PANDAS kids the affordable quality care that they deserve.
If you have a moment to donate a few dollars - we would be so grateful!