Vermont Becomes a Voice for Children with Autoimmune Brain Disorders

More than 200 gather in Burlington for the 2nd Annual PANS/PANDAS 5K, expanding awareness, research, and support for affected families.

BURLINGTON, Vt., Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vermonters came together on October 11th at the Burlington Surf Club for the Second Annual Vermont PANS/PANDAS 5K Run/Walk, an event shining a spotlight on pediatric autoimmune brain disorders that can abruptly alter a child's life overnight.

Hosted by the Vermont PANDAS/PANS Network, the race brought together families, clinicians, and advocates to raise awareness of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). These conditions, triggered by infections such as strep or COVID-19, cause the immune system to attack the brain—leading to the sudden onset of obsessive behaviors, anxiety, tics, and other debilitating symptoms.

The effects on children and their families are devastating—yet these conditions are still relatively unknown, making diagnosis and treatment extremely difficult.

"Children with PANDAS are suddenly forced to battle the effects of brain inflammation that changes their lives overnight," said Alexandria Rains, Clinical Case Manager and Neurodiversity Specialist at NFI Vermont. "Families face not only the heartbreak of these sudden shifts, but also the exhausting fight for recognition, coverage, and support."

The race raised more than $14,000 to create awareness and support a new Neuroimmune Psychiatry & Immunology (NIPD) Fellowship at Dartmouth Health, a groundbreaking program training physicians to better diagnose and treat children with PANDAS/PANS.

"Pediatric autoimmune causes for psychiatric syndromes are rare, but also rarely identified when they occur," said Dr. Steven Schlozman, Chief of Child Psychiatry at the University of Vermont. "Because these syndromes have different treatment approaches, it is vital that clinicians recognize this possibility and know how best to respond."

The event was founded in 2024 by Adrienne and Devin Gaskell, whose child was diagnosed with PANDAS after months of unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms, and misdiagnosis. They first heard about the condition from a teacher, who had read about PANDAS on Facebook.

"Once you've witnessed your child lose pieces of themselves to this illness, you can't stay silent," said Adrienne Coléon Gaskell, co-founder of the Vermont PANS/PANDAS Network. "This year's turnout shows that Vermont is ready to lead with compassion and advocacy."

The event was sponsored by CrossFit Burlington, Optum, Mr. Louie and The Alex Manfull Fund, which supports awareness, education and research.

Contact: Adrienne Coléon Gaskell
[email protected]

SOURCE Vermont PANDAS/PANS Network