Archives for February 2013

A Mother’s Story…

My son went from a very happy, normal, energetic little boy to mentally ill basically overnight. He started by having problems in school, not speaking up in class as he was afraid kids would make fun of him or his teachers would be mad at him if he said the wrong answer (anxiety heightened), forgetting how to perform his schoolwork such as recognizing his ABCs and 123s. He had age regression. The school teachers, peers nor his father and I had no clue as to what was going on. We chalked it up as he was younger than most of the other kids and the anxieties were too much for him.

This went on for most of his Kindergarten school year. During his Kindergarten graduation, we noticed he did not look well. He had dark circles under his eyes (purple in color); the sounds of the other kids singing during their ceremony or noise in general seem to bother him. When we arrived home, we realized he was coming down with a cold, mild fever and we took him to the Pediatrician. We were told he had an ear infection. Little did we know this was strep, as we later found out strep can be anywhere on your body not just the basic strep throat, as we believed. He did receive a 10 day course of antibiotics.

A couple of weeks later, we were driving in my car and he started having hallucinations believing he had ants crawling on his arms and body. I pulled over and stripped him down and saw nothing. He continued to cry out in panic, saying don’t you see them mommy please get them off. I scrubbed him down with water and baby wipes but nothing would console him. This continued through the night. He locked himself in the bathroom, scrubbing and washing his arms and hands inconsolable.

The next day we took him to a Child Psychologist who immediately diagnosed our son with OCD. This was just the beginning of our journey that leads us to a diagnosis of P.A.N.D.A.S.

Chamber of Commerce Fundraiser for Cody Youngblood! We ask that you  please plan to attend the fundraiser at the Chamber of Commerce on February 23, 2013 from 10AM to 7PM. The fundraiser is for Cody Youngblood’s medical treatments. He has a rare autoimmune disease called P.A.N.D.A.S. (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus). We would love for you to come out and show your support.

Check out the link to FundRazr where you can read his story and see a video. Cody was diagnosed three years ago with this rare auto immune disease and after almost three years, our insurance decided, against his two Doctors appeals, to no longer cover his needed treatments he has to have every two months to live a normal childhood and possibly be cured.

We are reaching out to our Pickens County Community and asking for donations; whether just attending and showing your support or possibly food, crafts or anything for raffles or to volunteer your time. We need help!

Please help join us in making this event a success and my son to be able to get his treatments once again. Thank you for your time and consideration.

May God Bless You! My name is Melissa Youngblood 770-355-3129. Email [email protected]

FUNDRAISER FOR CODY YOUNGBLOOD AND P.A.N.D.A.S. AWARENESS

Pickens County Chamber of Commerce

500 Stegall Dr. Jasper GA 30143

FEBRUARY 23, 2013

10AM-7PM

Please come out and help us raise money for Cody’s medical bills & future treatments and become more aware of the P.A.N.D.A.S disease.

We will be having food, games, prizes, face painting, cake walk, karaoke, funnel cakes, crafts, raffles, grab bags, and much, much more!

For your entertainment we will be having concerts from local bands and a special visit from ELVIS.                                                

COME JOIN THE FUN AND HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THIS SPECIAL LITTLE BOY!

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections