These moms turned heartbreak into hope—and created a movement that’s changing lives. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Jennifer Vitelli and Cathy Witkos join us to share how the Look. Foundation is tackling PANS/PANDAS through the three pillars of support, education, and awareness. From over $400,000 in healing grants to nationwide school outreach, we outline practical ways families can find help, community, and hope.
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In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we sit down with the co-founders of the Look. Foundation, Jennifer Vitelli and Cathy Witkos to trace their journeys from isolated parents to movement-builders. They outline their foundation’s three pillars—support, education, and awareness—and share what that looks like on the ground: over $400,000 in healing grants, regular group calls that connect families across the country, and practical resources that shorten the learning curve and end isolation.
We also address common misconceptions and emphasize early detection: when kids experience abrupt behavioral changes, families and clinicians should look for medical triggers and document symptoms, while partnering with schools to connect the dots. The conversation highlights bold awareness campaigns and a long-term strategy to make access equitable, expand grants, and build a national infrastructure so no child with PANS/PANDAS is overlooked or left behind.
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Jennifer Vitelli serves as the executive director of the Look. Foundation, where she helps children and young adults affected by infection-triggered neuroinflammatory disorders like PANS/PANDAS. She has co-led and co-founded the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Legislation, achieving key legislative wins. Jennifer was also a founding board member of the New England PANS/PANDAS Association.
Cathy Witkos is the president of the Look. Foundation and has been a leading advocate in the PANS/PANDAS community. She is a mother of three (one child healing from PANS/PANDAS) and has helped build support networks and awareness from the ground up. Cathy was a founding board member of the New England PANS/PANDAS Association and has spearheaded efforts in community education, school and nurse outreach, public awareness, and financial grant support for families facing this often misunderstood illness.
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Website: https://www.lookfoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookFoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/look.foundation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/look-foundation-inc/
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Website: https://www.drohara.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/
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