Avery’s Fight

Anyone who knows Avery Henderson knows that she is an intelligent, ambitious, beautiful, talented and kind hearted little girl. Unfortunately last month Avery was diagnosed with a little known disorder called PANS or PANDAS. Testing has been done to determine which one she has.

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections) - this is a type of autoimmune disorder which results in swelling of the brain and is believed to be triggered by an infection somewhere in the body.

The symptoms of PANS/PANDAS are sudden onset of neurological and psychiatric symptoms which can be mentally, and physically life altering.

Avery has been suffering for months with debilitating symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, food restriction, OCD, irritability, mood swings, “tics”, separation anxiety, vision change, new fears, etc… Due to these symptoms Avery has quit gymnastics, cheerleading, playing with friends, and lives in constant fear of leaving her home.

Not many doctors recognize this disorder and children often get misdiagnosed. Thankfully her pediatrician did recognized her symptoms and was able to help point them in the right direction. In early November Avery’s family traveled to Philadelphia to see a specialist and since then testing has been done and will continue to be done until the correct treatment plan is in place.

Avery was officially diagnosed on December 5th with PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and also Lymes Disease which is believed to be what triggered her condition. She has an autoimmune disease, many sensitivities to foods and toxins, along with other possible infections that they will be following up on with more testing and treatment.

Every child is different and reacts differently to these treatments. Due to Avery’s condition and the long treatment process, it was best that Casi took a leave from work for homeschooling and to provide around the clock care.

Any help is greatly appreciated, even if you just share or keep them in your prayers! Let’s see if we can help make life a little less stressful for Avery and her parents, Cassandra (Casi) Grant and Jordan Henderson.

#Averystrong