My young, vibrant 6-year-old daughter was suddenly thrown into an unimaginable nightmare when she was diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections - commonly known as PANDAS. Our struggle to secure prompt and adequate care for her was a heart-wrenching ordeal that no child or parent should ever have to experience.

PANDAS is an autoimmune response to a Streptococcal infection which causes life-altering symptoms that can suddenly change the trajectory of an innocent child's life. However, it is still widely unknown and often misdiagnosed, complicating the path to ensuring our children receive the care they need. This disease currently affects as many as 1 in 200 children in the United States (PANDAS Network, 2018) - a chilling statistic that demonstrates the urgency of our cause. It is common for children with PANDAS to experience sudden onset of the following symptoms: obsessive compulsive behaviors (OCD), severe separation anxiety, behavioral and cognitive decline and unexplained anger and aggression outbursts. Often these symptoms are misdiagnosed as mental health disorders and mistreated causing more harm to the child.

We demand the US Government to fund targeted research and champion the development of an effective cure for PANDAS. Too many children are suffering, with too many families battling to access and afford the proper treatment. This national health crisis requires an immediate response.

Our children's future, their mental health, their wellbeing are at stake. We cannot stand idle.

Support this petition. Let's drive change for our children and assure them the access to care they rightfully deserve. Let's together demand for a cure.

Emeline's story in more detail can be found here: Emeline's Story- PANDAS NETWORK