Willow's IVIG Treatment

On May 19, 2019 our sweet 4 year old daughter Willow woke up exhibiting symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, frequent urinations, severe separation anxiety, and a drastic change in her personality. Her bubbly and talkative personality was replaced with severe moodiness and irritability. This radical change occurred overnight and caught our family completely off guard. After numerous visits to her pediatrician and countless tests, she was finally diagnosed with a disorder called Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). PANDAS is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that is triggered by a faulty immune system. The strep infection causes the immune system to mistakenly react and cause inflammation in the brain (in the basal ganglia region). This disorder impacts 1 in 200 children from the ages 4-7 years old, and my sweet Willow happens to be one of them. Since May, she has been on long term antibiotics twice a day, and anti- inflammatory medications with mild improvement. Recently, her symptoms have increased to where she is having difficulty maintaining her balance when walking, and a rapid decline in her behavior. Her Infectious Disease doctor now believes that Intravenous Immunoglobin  (IVIG) may be the most effective treatment for treating her disorder. This treatment will reset her immune system so that it will work properly to fight off any infections. IVIG Treatment for PANDAS is not covered by insurance companies at this time, so we have been quoted an estimate between $3,000- $3,500 for the 2 day hospital stay at Niswongers Childrens Hospital, and the IVIG treatment. We are asking for any donations to apply towards the cost of her treatment. We truly are blessed to have an amazing support group consisting of family and friends. Please pray for our sweet girls healing and please share even if you cannot donate. Thank you!