Our Story

On June, 15, 2024 the leadership from the JBC PANS & PANDAS Foundation and the New England PANS PANDAS Association (NEPANS) announced they would be joining forces to create the Look. Foundation. They recognize that to enact widespread change in how infectionious triggered neuroinflammation can cause mental health symptoms are addressed, diagnosed, treated, funded, and researched, collaboration is key.

Together, under the newly named Foundation, they are dedicated to redefining the course of mental health by ensuring no child or young adult with PANS/PANDAS is missed. Our goal is to serve as a catalyst for change in how infectious-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders are approached, treated, researched, and financially supported.  It is crucial for healthcare providers to Look. for potential infectious and inflammatory triggers as potential causes for mental health and behavioral symptoms in children and young adults.

Our History

The New England PANS Association (NEPANS)

Originally named the Northeast PANDAS Parents Association, our journey began in 2013 with a national conference that brought together medical specialists, parent advocates, and over 300 attendees. This marked a significant milestone in our organization's history and the PANDAS/PANS community. For the past 11 years, NEPANS has been dedicated to meeting the needs of the PANDAS/PANS community.

Since then, we have expanded our reach by incorporating PANS awareness into campaigns, advocacy and educational outreach, targeting the school nurse and educator communities throughout New England. NEPANS has also provided crucial support to families and facilitated local support groups, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to serving this community.

Founding Members

(back row l-r) Cathy Witkos, Peggy Chapman, Lisa Grisola, Tiffani Nelson, Lisa Hart

(front row l-r) Kim Panton, Jennifer Vitelli, Megan Greenstein

The John B. Cunningham PANS & PANDAS Foundation

John B. Cunningham was a kind, generous, loyal and supportive. He was an exceptional father, grandfather husband and friend. Sadly, he passed way unexpectedly in 2012. In 2017, the JBC PANS & PANDAS Foundation (“JBC”) was born in his memory. He saw how difficult it is on a family with children diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS disease. Witnessing firsthand the financial strain of battling these conditions and the lack of affordable treatment options for many families, JBC took on the unique mission of funding medical treatment for individuals affected by PANS/PANDAS.

Over the years, this mission expanded from providing medical grants to sick children to building a supportive community for PANS/PANDAS families, educating medical professionals, schools, and communities, and advocating for transformative change.

John B. Cunningham

JBC Foundation Founding Members

  • Cathy Witkos

  • Barbara Cunningham

  • Jeff Cunningham

  • John Cunningham

  • Izzy Witkos

  • Ali McLean