Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen.Tom Cullerton (D-Dist. 23) recently raised awareness for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) at the inaugural PANDAS Dash 5K at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park.

“I’m proud to see our community come together to raise awareness for such a worthy cause,” Cullerton said. “As a father of three young boys, I understand the importance of educating medical professionals and the general public on the symptoms caused by PANDAS. Events like this are important to raise awareness and secure resources to ensure our children don’t suffer."

Cullerton served as master of ceremonies at the Dash 5K. Throughout the year, Cullerton has worked with Wendy Nawara and Kate Drury from PANDAS/PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) Cares to raise awareness and educate medical professionals on PANDAS symptoms.  

PANDAS is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome and other tics after a child has had a strep infection. Symptoms range from severe separation anxiety to motor tics that appear similar to seizures and hallucinations. The symptoms are severe enough to prevent children from attending school.