Mending Minds Foundation Information

By supporting key strategic medical research initiatives worldwide, Mending Minds Foundation (MMF) aims to change the trajectory for children with devastating post-infectious neuroimmune disorders, including Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). A massive number of children are experiencing these devastating neuroimmune disorders, which is creating a mental health crisis worldwide that greatly impacts the lives of children and their families. Because these diseases are believed to be organically based and immune-mediated, prompt diagnosis and medical treatment can yield better outcomes and restore happy childhoods. Families with children suffering from these conditions face a shocking lack of resources and understanding. Only through increased research will diagnostic and therapeutic care improve. A dedicated group of parents, clinicians, scientists and business leaders in greater Boston, Massachusetts, is guiding the Mending Minds Foundation (MMF) to partner with world-class scientists in the hub of international research and discovery. Our goal is to support excellence in clinical care while providing sustainable funding of cutting-edge science to build the groundwork for understanding of PANDAS and other childhood post-infectious neuroimmune disorders. This funding will be targeted to rapidly develop diagnostic tools and effective treatments, while disseminating information worldwide, to drive research to better understand and treat these difficult diseases. Our model is the success achieved generations ago with Sydenhams Chorea, a related condition caused by streptococcal infection with primarily motor symptoms that is more readily diagnosed and is now quite rare in developed countries.