Rebuild US: Saving My Son from Black Mold & PANS PANDAS

My name is Sarah Ceti, a single mother to the sweetest, most resilient 7-year-old boy whose world—and mine—was turned upside down when he was recently diagnosed with a severe autoimmune condition called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). This devastating condition, triggered by an infection and inflammation in the brain, has caused sudden and alarming changes in his behavior, including uncontrollable outbursts, hysteria, dissociation, and even attempts to harm himself. Watching my once joyful and curious child struggle in this way has been heartbreaking beyond words.

After weeks of seeking answers, additional tests revealed black mold in our rented home—specifically chaetomium, a highly toxic mold known to exacerbate PANDAS symptoms. This discovery forced us to leave immediately, abandoning nearly all of our belongings—furniture, clothing, toys, books—contaminated by the invisible spores.

The home I’ve spent the last four years rebuilding, as a refuge for my son and me, is now lost to ashes, alongside the majority of our possessions. This displacement has also halted my only current income source: a modest guesthouse I run, welcoming plant medicine lovers and serving as a safe space for marginalized communities, including survivors of domestic violence, a cause I understand intimately.

Already navigating life as a survivor—having lost my marriage, home, business, and community, and devastated financially while being forced to relocate across the country during the pandemic—this crisis has pushed me to the brink. The financial burden is staggering, with costs for medical treatments, moving, replacing belongings, and lost income already exceeding $25,000 while needing to focus my time as a caregiver. Many of the treatments my son needs are not covered by insurance, and rebuilding a safe, mold-free environment for him is critical to his recovery. I anticipate an additional $25,000+ required for the next 6 months.

We are seeking your support to help us survive this unimaginable ordeal. Your generosity will provide the resources to afford my son’s treatments, replace essential belongings, and rebuild our lives. My dream is to create Kalisto House—a haven of healing and renewal, focused on clean air, plant-based healing, and holistic modalities. Please help us turn this moment of loss into one of hope, health, and new beginnings. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.