This is us
A little family with a lot of story.
Here you’ll find the honest version—the wins, the regressions, the appointments, the advocacy and all the tiny moments that keep us moving.
Charlie is seven, deeply loved and fiercely supported. We are not embracing a condition that has taken so much from her—we are fighting it. Too many families, schools and even medical providers still do not recognize PANS/PANDAS or know how to help children in crisis. We share our story to build awareness, push for access to treatment and fight for the recovery and better life we know is possible for Charlie.
I talk openly about severe autism, PANS/PANDAS, motherhood and finding joy without pretending the hard parts aren’t hard. PANS/PANDAS is a form of autoimmune encephalitis. These conditions affect children nationwide. As of 2026, 16 U.S. states have laws requiring insurance coverage for PANS/PANDAS treatment.
What is PANS/PANDAS?