The symbolic image I uploaded reminds me of my struggle with OCD and anxiety while due to PANDAS/PANS. “The most common cause of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is usually streptococcus. Brain inflammation occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy neuronal cells, disrupting central nervous system functions.” (PANDAS Network, 2024). I started showing symptoms in 7th grade and was given an official diagnosis about ten months later. I struggled with this disorder for 5 years and was unable to attend school for 3 1/2 years. Every day was a fight for my life and health, whether it was going to appointments or taking medication. It was a constant, difficult battle. At one point, PANDAS/PANS kept me inside the house for six months. During that time, I was completely dependent on my dad. Due to debilitating OCD and anxiety I lost the ability to perform activities of daily living. OCD made everything difficult and my mind felt overwhelmed all the time. It was never ending confusion and frustration just like my symbolic image demonstrates. Everything I did became a chore that took focus, effort and energy. Showering took hours to finish because of my grueling rituals and repetitiveness. I felt like everything had to be “perfect” no matter how long it took to feel that way. It was like being in a prison cell that your own brain is holding you hostage in. OCD even made having a conversation a struggle by hijacking a simple conversation and turning it into an hours-long ritual where my parents had to say something just right for me to be able to move on. These were the loneliest times of my life. I wanted to be able to talk to and hug my family but I couldn't because of all the things my brain was making me do. I frequently was alone with myself and my mind doing rituals and repeating until it felt “just right”. The only time I had peace was when I was asleep. I used to say “I wish I could just be asleep all day so I don’t have to suffer when I’m awake.” One of the biggest turning points in my healing journey came when I had my tonsils removed. Immediately following the surgery and for about four weeks the surgery helped tremendously. For a while, we thought I was fully healed. Unfortunately, my journey wasn’t over and I slowly regressed which was disheartening. After the surgery, I was able to start treatments like monthly Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions, weekly IV Ozone therapy, and neurofeedback sessions to reduce brain inflammation. Eventually, I started Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. It was hard at first, emotionally, mentally, and physically but I wouldn't be where I am today without it. Gradually, I improved with medical and therapeutic support. At age 17, I returned to school for the first time since 8th grade. I played in my first football game after 1,408 days! After returning to school, I earned straight A’s, was inducted into the National Honor Society and named Academic All-District and Academic All-State for football. I want to become a Pediatric Neurologist and focus on the diagnosis and treatment of PANDAS/PANS kids. I believe my experience of having PANDAS/PANS will give me a unique insight into what my patients are dealing with that other Neurologists aren’t able to provide. I want to become a resource and support for PANDAS/PANS kids and families.

My new Love Island challenge would be called “Down in the DMs.” This game adds a twist of social media mystery and playful exposure, creating fun and tension between the islanders. The core of the game revolves around Instagram direct messages (DMs)—both those the islanders have sent and those they’ve received before coming onto the show. Here’s how it works: Before the game begins, producers will gather a selection of Instagram DMs from all the islanders—both messages they’ve sent and ones they’ve received. These will be used as the basis for the challenge. The islanders will be divided into two teams based on gender: boys versus girls. Each team will work together to try and figure out which member of the opposite team sent or received a particular DM. The game starts with a round where the boys guess which girl sent a specific DM. A real DM that one of the girls sent before the show will be displayed on a screen for everyone to see. The boys will discuss as a group and come to a consensus on which girl they believe sent that DM. Once they’ve made their choice, the correct answer will be revealed. If they guessed correctly, the boys earn a point. If they guessed wrong, the point goes to the girls. Next, the roles reverse. A DM that one of the boys received will be shown on the screen. The girls will work together to decide which boy they think received it. Once their guess is locked in, the actual recipient is revealed. If the girls are correct, they score a point. If not, the point goes to the boys. Then the challenge flips again. This time, the girls are shown a DM that one of the boys sent. They’ll work together to guess who sent the message. If they guess right, they earn a point. If they’re wrong, the boys get the point. The boys will then see a DM that one of the girls received and go through the same process of guessing. If their guess is correct, they earn the point; if they’re wrong, the girls take it. This pattern continues until every islander has had at least one DM they sent or received shown during the game. Each round provides laughs, surprises, and a little friendly drama as people’s digital flirtations and messages are put on display. Once all the rounds are completed, there’s a final twist. The producers will reveal which boy and which girl sent the most DMs and who received the most DMs before coming onto the show. These statistics are shown to everyone, adding a fun, competitive edge to the game. Whichever team had the top DMer (in each category—sent and received) gets additional points. If both the most-sent and most-received DMs come from the same team, they can earn multiple bonus points. The team with the highest total score at the end of the challenge wins. forfeit or miss out on a reward. “Down in the DMs” adds a spicy, playful element to Love Island, blending digital history with face-to-face fun, and giving the islanders a chance to learn a little more about each other’s past flings and social game before entering the villa.

"You are not judged by the height you have risen, but from the depth you have climbed,” a quote by Frederick Douglass. I saw it on the wall during my first day back at school after being homebound for three and a half years. Those words immediately resonated with me because they reflected everything I had been through. I was diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS in 2019. According to the PANDAS Network (2024), “The most common cause of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is usually streptococcus. Brain inflammation occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy neuronal cells, disrupting central nervous system functions. Symptoms include a sudden and dramatic change in personality, OCD, anxiety, tics, and more.” For five years, I battled this illness. At one point, I couldn’t leave the house for six months. During that time, I was completely dependent on my dad. Debilitating OCD and anxiety robbed me of the ability to complete basic daily tasks. For months, my dad had to help me eat, shower, and even use the restroom. It was an isolating and terrifying experience. A major turning point came in September 2021 when I had my tonsils removed. For a few weeks afterward, I experienced tremendous improvement. We hoped I was fully healed. But slowly, my symptoms returned. It was discouraging, but the surgery had helped enough to allow me to begin treatments I couldn’t tolerate before due to contamination fears. Following the surgery, I started monthly IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) infusions, weekly IV ozone therapy, and neurofeedback to reduce brain inflammation. In the spring of 2022, I began daily Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. It was emotionally and physically challenging, but it changed everything. Through ERP, I re-learned how to shower on my own, leave the house more often, and be around other people. Over time, I improved and needed therapy less frequently. In August 2023, I returned to school for the first time since 8th grade. After 1,408 days, I played in my first football game. Since returning, I’ve earned straight A’s, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and received Academic All-District and Academic All-State honors. I also coached youth 7-on-7 football and volunteered at local elementary schools as a mentor. Unfortunately, the cost of my treatment meant my parents had to use my college savings to pay for doctors, therapy, and medical care. I am grateful for my recovery, but it came with sacrifices. This scholarship would help me pursue my goal of attending college to major in Biochemistry. My interest in Biochemistry is directly inspired by my experience with PANDAS/PANS and its impact on my life. I want to understand the science behind autoimmune neurological conditions and help others going through what I experienced. There is a severe shortage of neurologists who treat PANDAS/PANS, and I want to help change that. After earning my Biochemistry degree, I plan to attend medical school and become a Pediatric Neurologist. As a doctor, I want to provide early diagnosis and effective treatment to children with sudden-onset symptoms. My personal journey gives me a perspective that few physicians have, and I believe that will allow me to connect with and advocate for my patients in a powerful way. I also want to raise awareness and support legislation to help families afford treatment. My goal is to shorten recovery times and improve outcomes so children and their families don’t have to suffer as mine did. I want to be a source of hope, healing, and change for the PANDAS/PANS community.