Until a couple days ago I would have thought that PANDAS was the acronym for an organization dedicated to saving pandas, but unfortunately that isn’t the truth. PANDAS is short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. Children with PANDAS experience severe OCD tendencies and nervous tics along with other symptoms shortly after having strep infections. PANDAS has only been diagnosed since the 1990’s…From what I understand when a child is diagnosed with strep throat their anti-bodies fight the virus. PANDAS causes the anti-bodies to fight the children’s tissues. Some of them targeting the brain; thus causing the OCD, tics, and other nueropsychiatric symptoms.
This is Libby, her mother Crystal, and some of her friends… This young girl’s bravery is the only reason I know what PANDAS is. It is her and her mother’s hope that by raising awareness that she can help other’s whose lives are affected by PANDAS. As even getting a doctor to see Libby for this rare condition took going to Brooklyn, New York. That means that these trips are costly, as we all know, health insurance doesn’t cover everything.. Especially if a doctor is about 750 miles away. but one cannot put a cost on happiness and the joy of life, as Libby’s life is immensely better with treatment! Please check out this video!
To help offset these costs there will be a benefit this Saturday to help the Olson family at Sacred Heart Parrish Hall. Beginning at 3 p.m. there will be a pig roast, live and silent auction, face painting, and much more! Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for children…5 and under are free! Please come have fun while helping a great family and raising awareness!
To find out more about Libby’s story check out the Morning Sun article or visit her Facebook Page.
