Please help me share this story and spread awareness on behalf of my entire family.

As Mason’s Aunt, and as a sister and sister-in-law to two of the most devoted parents I know, I am writing this with my heart in my hands. My brother Tim and his wife Marnie are everything you hope parents will be. They are present, loving, and endlessly devoted to their two boys, Tyler (15) and Mason (13). I have watched my nephews grow up surrounded by so much love- both becoming talented athletes, musicians, loyal friends, big dreamers, each having the most vibrant personalities with the kind of laughter that lights up the entire room. They were living such full, active, and joyful lives- the kind of life that feels safe. The kind of life you never imagine could disappear- when all of the sudden, it did. In the blink of an eye, their entire world was flipped upside down.

On January 12, 2025, everything changed. Mason woke up with a sudden onset of extreme OCD, anxiety, food aversion, and other debilitating symptoms. As Tim and Marnie searched desperately for answers, they watched their once-vibrant son become paralyzed by fear of nearly everything and everyone around him. What followed was month after month of fear, confusion, and desperation. Endless doctor visits, endless testing, and medication that turned Mason into a shell of the child he used to be. I watched my brother & sister-in-law plead for someone- anyone- to tell them what was happening to their child. But, they never stopped fighting. They researched late into the night, and they kept pushing when it would have been easier to collapse. They refused to give up on their son even when they were exhausted, terrified, and running out of options… but their perseverance & advocacy is the reason why we have a proper diagnosis today.

Finally in June of this year, Mason was diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), a serious and often misunderstood medical condition in which a child’s immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing a sudden and very severe onset of symptoms like OCD, anxiety, and food refusal. For Mason, it was triggered by mycoplasma that had lingered from an extended bout with Pneumonia in the Fall of 2024. While the diagnosis finally provided answers, it also came with a devastating reality: PANS is not currently recognized by health insurance providers in New York State. Most treatments, medications, and supplements required for PANS are not covered by insurance. Therefore, there is no reimbursement and no relief. They are bleeding money simply trying to save their son’s life.

As if things weren't already stressful enough, a shocking discovery in September would change everything. Advanced lab testing completed in Rochester revealed dangerously high levels of toxins in Mason’s body, including mold. This discovery was shocking, as Tim and Marnie had built their home only ten short years ago. After a thorough inspection, they learned there were hazardous levels of Aspergillus mold throughout the entire house. This connected so many of the dots in his story because Mason has had an extremely compromised immune system since birth. His issues have always been respiratory related, but they never imagined his environment at home could be one of the biggest contributors to how severe his situation became.

Tim and Marnie did everything they possibly could to rectify this situation. They tried:

They hoped. They prayed. They begged for their efforts to be enough. But, despite doing all of those things, it just wasn't enough. The damage is too extensive and the home is no longer safe for Mason’s recovery, so they have been forced to leave.

Realizing they no longer have a safe home to return to is proving to be one of the greatest and most overwhelming strains on the family right now. Seemingly overnight, they found themselves displaced and trapped inside an impossible financial situation:

To make matters worse, homeowners insurance does not cover the mold damage. There is no safety net. No pause button. No grace period. Money is going out faster than it can come in- every month, every week, every day, all while they continue to fight for advocacy for Mason and every other child struggling with PANS/PANDAS.

Both Tim and Marnie are full time teachers. They continue showing up for their students while quietly carrying fear, exhaustion, and mounting financial stress as they fight to keep their family afloat. They are doing everything right, and still falling further behind.

Tyler is almost halfway through his high school career. These are supposed to be some of the best days of his life… but instead, he's having to spend his carefree teenage years living in uncertainty, trying to stay strong for his little brother, all while his world has become so unrecognizable. And, despite everything he's been asked to handle, his strength has never waivered & he continues to try his hardest in everything he does with his head held high. This is a true testament to just how strong my brother and sister-in-law have been through all of this for their children. I have never been more proud to call them my family.

Asking for help does not come easily. But right now, they cannot do this alone. The truth is this: they are drowning, they are exhausted, and they are running out of financial air. If you know Tim and Marnie, you know they are the first to step forward when others are in need. To now find themselves in this situation has been devastating.

Funds raised will help cover:

Tim and Marnie never asked for this. They did nothing wrong. They are simply two parents who are trying to save their child- and it is costing them everything. Mason has shown incredible bravery, strength and resilience throughout all of this. He just wants to feel like himself again and to help others who may be in a similar situation.

While most families have been decorating trees, wrapping gifts, and gathering under one roof, my brother’s family is measuring medical bills, counting rent payments, and wondering how much longer they can hold on. This holiday season does not look like joy for them- it looks like survival.

Any amount, whether through a donation, sharing this page, or simply keeping their family in your thoughts, makes such a meaningful difference. All of these things will bring them one step closer to stability, safety, and healing. If you are able to help, please know that your generosity is more than just a donation. It will bring relief. It will bring hope. And, it is the chance for two boys to feel safe and loved during a season meant for comfort and peace.

From my heart to yours, thank you for standing with my family and carrying them through one of the darkest seasons of their lives. Your kindness and generosity mean more than any words would ever be able to express.