Our uncertain times mean most of us are challenged like never before. It’s impossible to turn on the television, read a newspaper or look at social media without being bombarded by so many different things and so much information that it’s just truly overwhelming. ​

We know that food often plays a significant role in PANS and PANDAS – whether patients experience allergies or difficulties with digestion or develop anorexia and refusal to eat, it’s extremely challenging to maintain proper nutrition for optimal health support. 

Diagnoses that even the most knowledgeable professional might miss, PANS and PANDAS have only recently come into the spotlight thanks to the combined advocacy of so many patients, parents and community support organizations alike.  

Have you ever thought about how all the people in your family tree, even if you never had the opportunity to meet them, have influenced your own life? Well, research has shown a variety of biological factors affect just how genes are expressed and can indeed be passed down through multiple generations. 

Along with my daughters, Katie and Sarah, and through our work with Hope for HumaNS from 2012 to 2017, we came to personally know the very poorest of the poor in Uganda and learn firsthand about their struggles on so many levels. In addition to enduring the impacts of extreme poverty and lack of resources, so many of the villagers suffered as well with Nodding Syndrome (NS), a debilitating and still-mysterious neurological illness.

I recently received a letter from Jovia, whom we met when she was just five years old and have continued to support her from afar as much as we can, both financially and with boundless love and admiration for her spirit and her courage. ​