The Kinder Family's Story
What Are PANS and PANDAS?

PANS and PANDAS are serious neuroimmune conditions triggered by infections, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain tissue. This causes intense brain inflammation and can result in severe physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges—stealing away a child’s sense of self and stability.

🔹 Triggers: Common infections such as strep throat, the flu, or even COVID.
🔹 Impact: Without the right treatment, these disorders can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence, and, in the most severe cases, can be life-threatening.
🔹 Hope: With early diagnosis and appropriate care, recovery is possible. Many children are able to return to their true selves.

Why This Matters to Us

In 2024, our lives changed when our daughter, Lucy Grace, was diagnosed with PANDAS. We've seen firsthand how quickly this condition can turn a vibrant, joyful child into someone struggling with symptoms beyond their control. We've experienced how hard it is to find medical providers with the knowledge and experience to help. But we’ve also seen the power of awareness, proper treatment, and hope. 

How You Can Help

When you donate to The Alex Manfull Fund, you're helping support critical research, physician education, and improved care for families like ours. I promised God I would spend the rest of my life fighting for the children and families who all deserve SO much better.

Your contributions have already supported:

• Groundbreaking research at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
• The POND Brain Bank at Georgetown for PANDAS/PANS and autoimmune disorders
• The PANDAS/PANS Fellowship Fund at Georgetown University and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
• Annual symposiums that bring together leading researchers, clinicians, and families to advance knowledge, share resources, and foster collaboration

Because of your donation, no family facing PANDAS has to walk this heartbreaking journey alone. Your support fuels vital research into this misunderstood condition, opens doors to care that so many children desperately need, and brings hope where there was once only fear. Together, we’re fighting for every child’s chance to heal.