Help Roma afford PANDAS treatments

Roma is 7 years old and has been struggling with baffling symptoms since March (2023). His family sought answers from numerous professionals for months until his symptoms progressed to the point that he was hospitalized this summer for 11 days. After many tests, it was determined that he has PANDAS. This disease can affect children on a spectrum, but the symptoms have been debilitating for Roma and his family. Even after being discharged, his symptoms have become more severe. Roma has severe pain when he walks so he walks very little each day. He now has almost constant whole-body generalized pain. He has also developed frequent headaches, ticks, sensitivity to touch, sensitivity to food, social anxiety (& this kid has always been outgoing), and stomach issues. His mom has been seeking information on PANDAS treatments and has found that most of them are not covered by insurance. They are hoping to get him in with a specialist in Florida but the initial online consultation is $300 and further consultations and testing (depending on which tests need to be ordered) range from $600 to $3000 and this doesn't include the medications for treatment. He is currently taking medication to reduce inflammation, but his symptoms are debilitating. We've seen him since he got out of the hospital and he truly is in a lot of pain. All of the pictures are from before he got sick. We just want to see the old Roma again, with his energy and silliness. This diagnosis is often a long journey (even lifelong for many). It was once a rare diagnosis but it becoming much more common. Please consider reading more about PANS/PANDAS so that you can help spread awareness and advocate for more affordable testing and treatments for those with PANS/PANDAS, and please also consider sharing this page and making a donation of any amount to help Roma get the testing and treatments he needs.