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In June of 2024, the New England PANS/PANDAS Association (NEPANS) joined forces with the JBC PANS & PANDAS Foundation to form the Look. Foundation. Learn more

The Look. Foundation is dedicated to changing the course of mental health by ensuring that no child or young adult with PANS/PANDAS is missed.

The Look. Foundation envisions a future where every child and young adult affected by infection-triggered neuroinflammation (PANS and PANDAS) have equal access to:

  • Swift and appropriate diagnosis, treatment and care

  • Essential support from schools, communities and medical providers

What are PANS & PANDAS?

PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Associated with Streptococcus) occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells following an infection (e.g., strep throat), leading to brain inflammation. This misdirected immune response results in an acute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms ranging from severe anxiety, aggression, and irritability to motor and sensory abnormalities. Symptoms are often very sudden in onset and can be alarming. Many parents describe watching their son or daughter transform into a child they do not recognize.

The medical community still lags behind when it comes to understanding and treating PANS/PANDAS. Despite the fact that PANS/PANDAS affects an estimated 1 in 200 children. Currently, most pediatricians are not trained in diagnosing and treating these illnesses. This leads to misdiagnosis or outright dismissal of parents’ concerns. Families are left spinning their wheels (and depleting their savings) as they search for answers. It is crucial for healthcare providers to Look. for potential infectious and inflammatory triggers as causes for mental health and behavioral symptoms in children and young adults.

If a family is able to find a knowledgeable doctor who treats PANS and PANDAS, most treatment is not covered by health insurance. The path to recovery can be long, emotionally grueling, and financially devastating. 

How We Help

On top of managing their child’s new symptoms and behaviors, families must try to understand PANS/PANDAS and determine an informed course of action. It’s beyond overwhelming. The Look. Foundation was created to help parents and caregivers navigate this difficult process and access the support and resources they need. This is done by:

GUIDANCE

  • Offer resources and emotional support for parents & caregivers.

GRANTS

  • Provide grants that allow eligible children and young adults with PANS/PANDAS to receive proper treatment.

EDUCATION

  • Educate local pediatricians, physicians, practitioners, schools, legislators and communities about PANS/PANDAS.

CONNECTIONS

  • Connect families with practitioners who treat PANS/PANDAS as well as other support resources.

Grants for PANS & PANDAS Treatment

Look. Grants are intended to cover expenses relating to the treatment of PANS and PANDAS. This includes medication, supplements, doctor visits, lab testing, and alternative practitioners such as Acupuncturists and Chiropractors. Anyone diagnosed with PANS or PANDAS who can demonstrate a qualified financial need is eligible.

About The Look. Foundation

In June of 2023, the New England PANS/PANDAS Association (NEPANS) joined forces with the JBC PANS & PANDAS Foundation.

Together, under the newly named “Look. Foundation” was formed to redefine the course of mental health. Our goal is to serve as a catalyst for change in how infectious-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders are approached, treated, researched and financially supported. It is crucial for healthcare providers to LOOK. for potential infectious and inflammatory triggers as potential causes for mental health symptoms in children and young adults.

Please join us on this exciting journey. Together, we can work towards a future where all children and young adults battling these conditions can heal and thrive.

Hope, Health and Support for Children & Young Adults Battling PANS & PANDAS

If your child, teen or young adult has been diagnosed with PANS or PANDAS, it can be a confusing, isolating time. But you don’t have to take this journey alone. The Look. Foundation provides emotional and practical support to help families like yours start on a path to healing.

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