Flint Family Struggling With Son’s PANS Diagnosis [VIDEO]
I am not a parent. You do not have to be one to have compassion for Jon and Amanda Tanner. Jon and Amanda are the parents of two beautiful children Gibson and Pearl. Their world was turned upside down when Gibson, 7, was diagnosed with PANS.
If you are not familiar with PANS - you are not alone. PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. According to the Panda Network website, PANS is:
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is when an infectious trigger, environmental factors, and other possible triggers create a misdirected immune response results in inflammation on a child’s brain. In turn, the child quickly begins to exhibit life changing symptoms such as OCD, severe restrictive eating, anxiety, tics, personality changes, decline in math and handwriting abilities, sensory sensitivities, and more.
Raising children is difficult enough. Not knowing when or what will trigger Gibson's episodes and how long they will last has got to be heartbreaking and excruciating. Gibson did see a specialist in New Jersey. As you can imagine that visit was costly and follow up appointments are not going to be cheap either. A family friend has set up a GoFundMe to help the Tanner's with expenses.
I have know Jon and Amanda for years and wish them nothing but the best. Their love and strength for Gibson is beyond amazing. If you are able to spread the word on PANS or help the family in any way, I encourage you to do so.