In a symbol of solidarity and support, the town of Wake Forest is set to illuminate its Town Hall and street towers in a vibrant green hue come Wednesday evening. The lights, which will shine from dusk on October 9 to dawn on October 10, are being lit in honor of PANDAS/PANS Awareness Day - a time to spotlight two little-known but significant pediatric disorders.
In the thrust to broadly disseminate knowledge and ignite conversation, the display seeks to draw eyes and kindle inquiry into paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS) and paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). The lit buildings are more than just a visual statement; they represent a beacon for awareness in a town that very recently dedicated an entire month to understanding these conditions. As reported by Wake Forest officials, Mayor Vivian Jones officially proclaimed October 2024 as PANDAS Month on September 17, marking a local commitment to uplift families and patients affected by these disorders.
Both PANDAS and PANS are characterized by sudden, acute, and dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, and a host of others following infections, environmental triggers, and other possible mechanisms. The green glow that will soon bathe local landmarks symbolizes not just awareness, but also hope—a hope that through increased visibility, the path to more substantial support and treatment options will become that much clearer.
The illumination of the Town Hall and street towers is a pledge, a promise, to not let those struggling with PANDAS and PANS feel as though they are fighting alone. Rather, it is to shine a spotlight on a path often walked in the shadows, and, as "Mayor Vivian Jones read a proclamation recognizing October 2024 as PANDAS Month in the Town of Wake Forest," it reflects a dedication to illuminate this path as frequently as necessary, as mentioned on the Wake Forest website.
