Letter to the Editor: PANDAS Awareness Legislation Passes Thanks to Local Moms

The following letter to the editor was written and submitted by Rep. Deb Conroy.

Working with local residents to brainstorm, introduce and pass meaningful legislation is one of the most rewarding aspects of serving as a state legislator. This year, I was extremely fortunate to work with two inspiring local moms – Kate Grobe Drury and Wendy Nawara. Aside from being everyday Supermoms, Kate and Wendy have one more thing in common: they both have sons who once suffered from a rare disease called Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Association with Streptococcus (PANDAS). Because PANDAS is largely unknown and symptoms mimic other conditions, both of these brave families suffered for months on end until their PANDAS diagnosis.

With Kate’s and Wendy’s unwavering advocacy, I passed a bill unanimously out of the House last week that will help the state’s public health department increase awareness and develop best practices in diagnosing and treating the condition.

PANDAS is caused by streptococcus. An infection as common as strep throat, mono or pneumonia can cause devastating symptoms that range from vocal tics to loss of handwriting skills to anxiety so severe that many children stop attending school. As a mother, I’ve cared for my four boys through hundreds of illnesses and injuries. I cannot begin to imagine the panic, frustration and worry that parents feel when their children begin to develop these symptoms, which have a sudden and severe onset.

Because of our efforts to pass this legislation together, I remain hopeful that someday no parent will have to struggle with undiagnosed PANDAS. Thank you, Kate and Wendy.

Sincerely,
Deb Conroy