Recognizing October 9, 2026, as PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1305

BY: M. of A. Beephan

        RECOGNIZING   October   9,  2026,  as  PANS/PANDAS
        Awareness Day in the State of New York

  WHEREAS, Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)  and
Pediatric   Autoimmune   Neuropsychiatric   Disorders   Associated  with
Streptococcal  Infections  (PANDAS)  are  serious  pediatric  conditions
characterized   by   the  sudden  onset  of  neuropsychiatric  symptoms,
including obsessive-compulsive behaviors, severe anxiety, motor or vocal
tics,  behavioral  regression,  and  other   cognitive   and   emotional
challenges; and

  WHEREAS,  These  conditions  are  believed  to  be  associated  with
infections  or  immune  responses  that  affect  the   brain   and   can
significantly  disrupt  a child's development, education, and quality of
life, while also placing emotional and financial strain on families  and
caregivers; and

  WHEREAS, Children living with PANS and PANDAS demonstrate remarkable
courage  and  resilience  as they confront sudden and often debilitating
symptoms while striving to maintain their education, relationships,  and
daily routines; and

  WHEREAS,   Early   recognition,   accurate  diagnosis,  and  timely,
evidence-based treatment are critical to improving outcomes for children
affected by PANS and PANDAS; and

  WHEREAS, Increasing public  awareness  and  education  helps  reduce
stigma,   supports  families,  and  encourages  continued  research  and
collaboration among healthcare providers,  educators,  researchers,  and
policymakers; and

  WHEREAS,   October  9th  is  recognized  nationally  as  PANS/PANDAS
Awareness Day,  providing  an  opportunity  to  raise  awareness,  honor
affected  children  and  families,  and  promote  understanding of these
complex pediatric conditions; and

  WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to families,  advocates,  and
medical  professionals  dedicated  to improving awareness, research, and
care for children affected by PANS and PANDAS; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
recognize  October 9, 2026, as PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day in the State of
New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body  further  pause  to  honor  the
bravery  and  perseverance  of children living with PANS and PANDAS, and
commend the families, caregivers, advocates, and  medical  professionals
who support them.