Running the Boston Marathon is a dream come true, and I am thrilled to be doing it for the Look. Foundation.

You wouldn’t know it by looking at me, but I’ve fought hard to get here. Growing up, I faced significant health challenges connected to PANS/PANDAS. I’m not going to lie, those years were incredibly hard. They were scary, isolating, and confusing, especially at a time when there weren’t many answers and it often felt like people didn’t understand what my family and I were living through.

What carried me through wasn’t just grit, it was my people. My family was and is my everything. I’m also grateful for the friends and community who showed up, encouraged us, and helped us keep moving forward when it felt heavy. And the brave medical providers, especially Dr. Mark Pasternack and Peggy Chapman, who never gave up on me. And Dr. Katz & Dr. Jolles, for always being there.

And here’s the part I really want others to hear: today, I’m not just surviving, I’m thriving. I feel incredibly grateful to be in a place of healing, and I want to share that hope with anyone who’s still “in it.”

Through my experience, I learned something that still guides me every day: I can do hard things.I refused to let this define me, but I did let it shape me. I testified at the State House. I’ve summited multiple high altitude mountains in Peru. I ran a 100-mile ultramarathon in record time. I ice climb, and I’m proud to be part of the Mountain Cold Weather Unit at Norwich University and a member of the Corps at Norwich. And now, I’m taking on “Boston”.

I’m proud to run for the Look. Foundation to raise much-needed awareness and critical funds for PANS/PANDAS families. Because the truth is, not every PANS/PANDAS family has the support system I was blessed with. But through the Look. Foundation, families can find support, resources, and a community that understands. No one should have to walk this path alone, and the Look. Foundation works to make sure they don’t.

I dedicate this run and this fundraising to every child, teen,and young adult, and every family still in the thick of it. If that’s you right now, hang on. Healing is possible. You’ve got this!

Thank you for your support!

- Luca Vitelli

2026 Boston Marathon - Luca Vitelli - April 20th

26.2 Miles for PANS/PANDAS Children