Josiah was diagnosed with PANDAS in August 2025 by Dr. Karen Harum in Wilmington, NC, after a total of 14 ER visits and hospitalizations for mental health treatment within just 8 months. Our family has endured an extreme amount of stress trying to get Josiah the help he needs, with many doctors minimizing and dismissing our concerns for our son's deteriorating mental health. PANDAS is a severe disorder that causes neuropsychiatric symptoms, leading Josiah to engage in very dangerous behaviors. Through it all, we are so grateful for God's grace and protection. We have been blessed by generous church donors who contributed to cover the cost of Josiah's first two IVIG infusions, which is the proven treatment for PANS/PANDAS. Josiah needs IVIG infusions for a complete year, with each monthly treatment being very expensive. After the first two infusions, we are seeing Josiah return to his baseline, and we are hopeful to continue this progress and get our boy back.

Josiah's journey with autoimmune disorders began when he was just 7 years old in 2017, when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, also caused by a strep throat infection. IVIG was the treatment that healed him then, and he recovered very well. Josiah's PANDAS was also caused by a strep infection, showing just how much these infections have impacted his health. Now, we are hoping for the same healing for Josiah as he faces PANDAS.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward covering the cost of Josiah's ongoing IVIG treatments, which are not covered by insurance. BCBS has covered every ER visit and hospitalization, but not the IVIG treatments that can truly heal our children. Having a child with PANS/PANDAS is a traumatic ordeal for families, and we know many others are fighting the same battle. Any support, prayers, or sharing of our fundraiser means the world to us. Thank you for standing with Josiah and our family as we fight for his health and future.