Inaugural Look. Walk Aims to Raise $125,000

BOSTON – On Saturday, Oct. 5, hundreds hit the pavement in person and virtually for the Look. Foundation’s inaugural Look. Walk. The event aims to raise more than $125,000 to support children and young adults battling PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune disorders that occur when an infectious trigger creates a misdirected immune response resulting in inflammation of the brain. Fundraising for the Look. Walk will continue through Oct. 30.

“We’re thrilled to have hosted the first Look Walk, uniting hundreds in support of the PANS/PANDAS community,” says Look. Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Vitelli, who has three children who suffered from these autoimmune diseases. “This event was about raising awareness, offering hope, and finding answers during a mental health crisis. PANS/PANDAS can isolate families. Seeing the 'TEAM Look' banners and walkers in Look t-shirts reminded everyone that they’re part of a larger, supportive community. With proper diagnosis and treatment, healing is possible. It was a powerful and unforgettable day.”

Senator Patrick O’Connor and State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, longtime advocates for PANS/PANDAS, were among supporters of all ages who walked the 3K loop around the Boston Common for the cause. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony that included actress Kayla Caulfield, known for her recent role in the movie “CODA,” filmed in Gloucester who sung the National Anthem, and remarks by Jennifer Vitelli, Look. Foundation Executive Director, and Ian Gauch, a young adult healed from PANS. A celebration at Parkman Bandstand with family-friendly activities, music and food trucks followed.

"Over the years, we have seen a rise in the diagnosis of PANS/PANDAS not just on the South Shore but across the Commonwealth. Many families have shared their stories of the hardship they have endured while watching their children suffer from the associated effects of these disorders. I will always continue to stand behind Jennifer and all those who champion the movement to raise awareness and support for these challenging diseases,” says Senator Patrick O’Connor. “I am honored to have participated in the First Annual Look. Walk and hope that, in years to come, this event will continue to educate and promote ways to assist this community and all those who continue to be impacted by the effects of PANS/PANDAS."

P.A.N.S. and P.A.N.D.A.S. are medical conditions triggered by infections (such as strep, pneumonia, mono, COVID, influenza, Lyme disease, and others) that cause brain inflammation. This leads to life-changing symptoms, including OCD, motor and vocal tics, restricted eating, anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbances, irrational fears, school performance decline, depression, and suicidal thoughts. It is a spectrum disorder, ranging from mild to severe, with either abrupt or gradual onset, but in all cases, the child or young adult is noticeably changed.

However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, children with PANS/PANDAS heal.

It is estimated that 1 in 200 children are affected by PANS/PANDAS—a significant number, yet these conditions remain poorly understood. Effective treatments, which are often complex and multi-faceted and can be extremely costly. Families frequently face expenses ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, often with minimal insurance coverage.

Since 2017, Look. Foundation has allocated over $300,000 in healing grants, making them the nation's sole non-profit that directly aids families for this specific cause. For more information or to make a donation, visit: www.lookfoundation.org.

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