Green Lights to Illuminate Landmarks for PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day

For those interested in seeing beautiful lighting of Long Beach landmarks – and for those who want to support public outreach and education on complex neuroimmune conditions that can be devastating to children and their family – get ready to go see what’s being called #LightUp4PANS.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day is taking place, where iconic landmarks around the globe will glow green to shine a beacon of hope, healing and strength for children, youth and families impacted by PANS and PANDAS.

Residents of Long Beach are encouraged to participate by lighting a candle at sunset (approximately 6:25 p.m.) or visiting participating landmarks illuminated in green, including the Lions Lighthouse, Long Beach City Hall, the Civic Center, Long Beach Airport, the International Gateway Bridge and the Terrace Theater and Fountain, and sharing photos on social media using #LightUp4PANS.

The California Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Advocacy worked with the Mayor’s Office to bring the annual event to the City of Long Beach. The Mayor’s Office confirmed that these landmark sites will be illuminated on Oct. 9 as part of this initiative.

In 2025, the #LightUp4PANS initiative has grown significantly, says California Coalition. More than 195 landmarks around the world are scheduled to be illuminated in green. This global effort, supported by 15 official lighting partners, reflects increasing worldwide participation, visibility and solidarity in raising awareness of these complex and often misunderstood illnesses.

Individuals and communities everywhere can join by lighting candles at home, wearing green to show solidarity, and sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #LightUp4PANS while tagging Associazione Genitori PANS PANDAS BGE and Cal Coalition on Instagram.

“We stand alongside families facing the challenges of PANS and PANDAS, offering hope, compassion and strength,” said April Ronay, local educator and founding member of the California Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Advocacy. “This day reminds us that no one faces this journey alone – as a community, we have a responsibility to unite, raise awareness and provide unwavering support to every family impacted.”

Shari Strulson, an educator and founding member of the coalition, echoed this sentiment: “Our coalition is dedicated to amplifying the voices of children and families affected by PANS and PANDAS. World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day is an opportunity to educate, build empathy and accelerate progress in research and care. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”

California Coalition is also sharing information on another upcoming event supporting these global efforts. Tickets are now available for a live storytelling event at the 2nd Story Theater in Hermosa Beach, Calif., on Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Real people will share raw, unforgettable stories of resilience, vulnerability and turning points. While some stories highlight PANS/PANDAS, the focus is on universal experiences of hope and transformation. Proceeds benefit the Alex Manfull Fund, supporting PANS/PANDAS research and awareness. Seats are limited. You can reserve tickets at https://givebutter.com/Tilt.

Support in Sacramento

The state of California is catching up with other states on recognizing the devastating impact of PANS/PANDAS. Things are looking much better now in Sacramento.

Long Beach Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal led the way on sponsoring a bill being signed into law as AB2105 – including seeing the first version of the bill vetoed by Gov. Newsom and the second version signed into law on Sept. 28, 2024. The law requires a health care service plan contract or health insurance policy issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 to provide coverage for the prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of Pediatric Autoimmune Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).

Looking ahead in Sacramento, members of the California Coalition and the National PANDAS Youth Alliance are working together to establish a PANS/PANDAS Health and Education Advisory Council. This proposed council aims to inform policy, improve access to care and support education around these complex neuroimmune conditions. The groups are actively seeking a bill sponsor and hope to advance the effort once the California State Legislature reconvenes from its fall recess in early January 2026.

For those seeking more information, you can contact April Ronay and Shari Strulson, California Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Advocacy, at panscalifornia@gmail.com, and you can see the website at www.calcoalition.com.

Jon LeSage is a resident of Long Beach and a veteran business media reporter and editor. You can reach him at jtlesage1@yahoo.com.