October 9th is PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day to bring hope to those affected by these debilitating childhood conditions. Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, parents are left feeling worn down and desperate for answers. Bringing awareness through education, fundraising, and a show of support drives research and gives families the comfort of knowing that they are not alone in the fight.
Parents know their child. So when behaviors and actions start changing overnight, it can be concerning—even heartbreaking. This is what families impacted by PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) go through. And sadly, it becomes their new devastating reality.
Both of these conditions bring about significant changes, yet they are all too often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or even dismissed by medical professionals. Parents find themselves on a desperate search for answers—and proper treatment. This can be isolating.
Raising awareness on PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day is so important. It helps enlighten others about these disorders while providing hope and support for the families dealing with them every single day. Here’s how you can support the cause.
What Is PANS and PANDAS?
Of course, before you take a step forward, you must gain at least a basic understanding of these conditions that primarily affect children.
PANS refers to a very sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or a serious restriction of food. It can also come with other behavioral or neurological symptoms. PANDAS is a subtype of PANS, as it is triggered specifically by a streptococcal infection.
Kids who are experiencing symptoms may have significant personality changes, sudden onset of anxiety, sensory sensitivities, motor abnormalities, or they may regress when it comes to basic skills. In other words, a child who may have been thriving one day may find it nearly impossible to leave the house, eat, play, or handle schoolwork the next.
Imagine being a parent and witnessing these changes? It’s scary. And because the symptoms mimic an array of psychiatric and developmental disorders, the risk of misdiagnosis is extremely high.
This is why raising awareness of PANS/PANDAS is so crucial.
October 9th is PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day
Every year on October 9th, attention is brought to PANS/PANDAS. Education and advocacy can increase the knowledge about them in hopes of reducing delays in treatment, helping parents advocate for their child, and showing those navigating the condition that help is available and that they are not alone in the fight.
Further, public awareness will lead to increased pressure for more studies, better treatments, and policy changes.
Now, let’s talk about how you can support the PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day and make a difference.
Wear the Awareness Color in Solidarity
Every cause for awareness has a color. For PANS/PANDAS, it is lime green. By simply wearing lime green on October 9th, you are showing a sense of solidarity. Better yet, share info about these conditions with those around you, asking them to wear the color, too.
Not only will seeing a sea of lime green get remarks and questions, but posting your outfit of the day on social media and sharing why (including hashtags) can also help. This presents you with an opportunity to boost awareness.
Educate Yourself—And Others
To fully be able to educate others or even understand what you are fighting for, you have to educate yourself. Read about PANS and PANDAS from trusted medical sources online. Get to know what it is all about, how to spot it, what causes it, and how it is spread.
Share what you find with those you are in contact with. Again, social media is a perfect tool to teach others what you have learned.
Directly Support Those Impacted BY PANS/PANDAS
PANS/PANDAS doesn’t just impact patients, but it also has a significant impact on families. A mountain of medical bills and feeling exhausted emotionally are common, with those around them unsure how to help.
There are many ways you can make a big difference with a small act, such as bringing a meal, offering to babysit siblings for a break, listening without judgment, and sending notes of encouragement.
If you aren’t sure what to do, simply ask.
Donate or Start a Fundraiser
Donate to an active fundraiser or start one of your own. You can raise funds to help a family in need that is currently affected by PANS/PANDAS. Or, you can create one where the proceeds will go towards research.
Start an online campaign, make it a community event, or just ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others to donate. Not only will you be raising awareness, but you will be collecting funds for a good cause, too.
How Lyme Mexico Clinic Supports Families
At Lyme Mexico Clinic, we have treated an ever-growing list of patients suffering from the effects of PANS/PANDAS, and we have encountered first-hand what they and their families have gone through. Carrying heavy exhaustion, they are just trying to find answers and effective treatment, and a reason to finally exhale.
Here, we understand the complexity of these conditions. Because our work focuses on chronic infections, neurological conditions, and immune dysfunction, we see just how connected these symptoms and systems can be. So we can validate the family’s concerns and take them seriously, as we move toward healing.
On October 9th, and every day of the year, we offer advanced diagnostic tools, innovative treatments, and a lot of compassion for our patients and their families.
From Awareness to Action
PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day is not just another day—it is a chance to bring awareness with the hope of changing lives. These conditions can really take a toll on patients and their families, both of whom deserve support. Wear lime green, get educated, share what you know, fundraise, and remind families that they are not alone.
At Lyme Mexico Clinic, we want ailments to become actionable treatments without delay. And that is what we offer. If you are someone struggling with PANS or PANDAS, or you are raising awareness, we are here to help spread the word. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand and find alternate treatments that will give you relief.
It is easy to sign up for a consultation; that is the difference between finding healing and not. So, let’s do it!
Schedule a consultation and become a patient today.