Friends, Supporters, and Members of the Look. Foundation Community,
Reflecting on our journey in 2024, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation. This year has been nothing short of transformative—a testament to what we can achieve when united by a common purpose and an unwavering commitment to make a difference.
When we rebranded as the Look. Foundation this year, it wasn’t just a change of name; it was a bold declaration of our vision to bring visibility, hope, and support to those impacted by PANS and PANDAS. Our strategic merger with the New England PANS & PANDAS Association strengthened our resolve and amplified our impact, allowing us to unify our resources and expertise like never before.
Together, this year we’ve impacted the lives of hundreds of families, providing them with compassionate support through one-on-one calls and our nurturing online community— affectionately known as “the village”. Each story we’ve been part of reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and reinforces our dedication to being a steadfast pillar for those navigating these challenging conditions.
Our ability to distribute over $80,000 in Healing Grants this year—bringing our total to over $300,000—is a direct reflection of your generosity and belief in our mission. These grants are more than financial aid; they are lifelines that offer families hope and access to essential treatments.
We’ve also made significant strides in raising awareness and advocating for change. Receiving the Greater Plymouth 2024 Community Leader in Health Literacy Award was an honor that underscores our commitment to education. From the halls of the Massachusetts State House to Capitol Hill, we’ve championed the importance of screenings and legislative support, engaging with policymakers to pave the way for a brighter future.
Through numerous speaking engagements, conferences, and school trainings, we have educated and brought awareness to thousands of people this year. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we have empowered educators, healthcare professionals, and community members to recognize and support those affected by PANS and PANDAS. These efforts have not only increased understanding but have also fostered a more compassionate and informed community ready to take action.
Our global reach expanded as we presented at an international company’s annual meeting, enlightening business leaders about PANS and PANDAS on a worldwide stage. Closer to home, our Community Caregiver Event and the growth of “Team Look” (our athlete advocates) have amplified our message through community and athleticism.
The success of our Inaugural Look. Walk~Making Strides for PANS & PANDAS, with its overwhelming participation, and our impactful statewide awareness campaigns have illuminated not just bridges and streets, but hearts and minds across Massachusetts & throughout the country.
All these accomplishments are more than milestones—they are the groundwork for the difference we are making together. They signify hope restored, lives changed, and a community strengthened.
As we approach the new year, I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead. Our commitment is stronger than ever, and with your continued support, we will expand our programs, deepen our impact, and reach even more families in need.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being an integral part of the Look. Foundation’s journey. Your compassion, generosity, volunteerism, and advocacy empower us to dream bigger and strive harder. Together, we are not just changing lives—we are changing the course of mental health by lighting the path towards a world where PANS and PANDAS are fully understood, properly diagnosed, and effectively treated.
On behalf of all of us here at Look., I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a healthy New Year.
Yours in hope, health & support,
Jennifer M. Vitelli,
MBA
50 Cole Parkway, Suite 32
info@lookfoundation.org www.lookfoundation.org
Phone: 781.990.8411
EIN: 81-4926490
Rebranding STRATEGIC MERGER
We began the year by rebranding as the Look. Foundation, a name that embodies our vision to bring attention and support to those impacted by these conditions. Our merger with the New England PANS & PANDAS Association has been a pivotal step in strengthening our collective efforts, allowing us to unify resources and expertise to make a more profound difference.
& SUPPORTING 100 s OF FAMILIES
Through direct one-on-one support calls and our supportive online community (aka “the village”), we have provided assistance to hundreds of families this year. Each story we've heard and each life we've touched reinforces our commitment to being a steadfast pillar of support for those navigating the challenges of PANS and PANDAS.
DISTRIBUTING OVER
IN HEALING GRANTS
Thanks to your generous contributions, we have distributed over $80,000 in Healing Grants in 2024, bringing our total awards to over $300,000. These grants are more than financial assistance; they are a lifeline that offers hope and access to essential treatments for families in need.
LOOK . GRANTS
100%
Grant recipients reported their family’s quality of life improved after receiving their Look. Treatment Grant.
“
One of the biggest impacts this grant afforded our family was lifting the stress of the financial burden of being able to provide our daughter with the care she needs and not driving us further into credit card debt. This grant has been a blessing. We not longer have to cancel or reschedule her doctor or therapist visits because we don’t have the money to cover them.
- Meghan, PANS/PANDAS Parent
100% “
Grant recipients reported overall improvement in their PANS/PANDAS symptoms since receiving their treatment grant
“ Feeling validated and being supported emotionally as a caregiver has given me the strength and determination to help further heal my son. Receiving financial support has allowed us to access additional diagnostics and appointments to continue to customize his ever changing treatment plan. Knowing and being part of a community with others who understand how incredibly difficult PANS is, has given me hope to not give up and pursue further healing.
- Colleen, Grant Recipient Parent “
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
We were honored with the Greater Plymouth 2024 Community Leader in Health Literacy Award, a testament to our dedication to educating the public and healthcare professionals about PANS and PANDAS.
LEGISLATIVE
Advocacy
MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE ADVOCACY DAY
Our collaboration with the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Legislation led to a successful Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House, where we delivered literature to every state legislator and emphasized the importance of screenings and understanding the true prevalence of these conditions in our Commonwealth.
ADVOCACY ON CAPITOL HILL IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., we engaged with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey’s offices, along with five Massachusetts Congress members. These discussions were crucial in advocating for policies that support our mission and the families we serve.
GLOBAL AWARENESS INITIATIVES
At an international conference, Appfire generously used their booth to introduce thousands of attendees to PANS/ PANDAS and highlight our foundation’s mission. Following this success, we were honored to deliver a two-day presentation on PANS/PANDAS at Appfire’s annual international meeting—an invaluable opportunity to educate global business leaders and broaden the conversation. Together, we’re expanding awareness and ensuring every family affected is seen and heard.
Community
ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY CAREGIVER EVENT
Our Community Caregiver Event brought together PANS/PANDAS caregivers for a day of connection and support. Through heartfelt storytelling, a panel of young adults healed from PANDAS and parents shared their journeys, offering inspiration and solidarity to all who attended.
“TEAM LOOK” ATHLETE ADVOCATES
“Team Look” has grown to 22 dedicated members, passionately raising awareness through participation in premier sporting events like the Boston Marathon and the Cohasset Triathlon. Their athletic endeavors not only challenge physical limits but also shine a spotlight on our cause.
Village = the community the Look. Foundation supports via our programming.
TOP THREE WAYS THE VILLAGERS FELT SUPPORTED BY THE LOOK . FOUNDATION WERE:
Empathy & Understanding Validation of Experiences
“
We can’t thank The Look. Foundation enough. They have literally changed our lives and helped us see that there’s hope. In a lonely world of this illness it’s nice to become part of a family.
“
“ It’s hard to convey how integral the Look. Foundation has been for our family in our healing journey. From practitioner/insurance/financial resource and information sharing, to family emotional support, to education resources for our PANS kiddo, the support from the Look. Foundation has been central to our daughter’s progress.
1.
Information Sharing Empathy & Understanding
3.
2.
Validation of Experiences
Look. Walk
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
INAUGURAL LOOK. WALK – MAKING STRIDES FOR PANS & PANDAS
Our Inaugural Look. Walk was a resounding success, with 350 walkers joining us on Boston Common and over 100 virtual participants from across the country, comprising more than 50 teams. This large-scale fundraising event showcased the power of community coming together to make strides for PANS and PANDAS.
Statewide Awareness
CAMPAIGN
We launched an ambitious PANS/PANDAS awareness campaign that reached communities across Massachusetts:
• Banners adorned Tremont Street in Boston, capturing the attention of thousands.
• The Zakim, Longfellow, and Fore River Bridges were illuminated, symbolizing hope and awareness.
• A strategic billboard campaign on major highways amplified our message to motorists statewide.
Media
COVERAGE
Our efforts garnered significant media coverage, including interviews with WBZ Radio, WEEI, Mix 104.1, Big 103.3, WATD 95.9, MCM ~ “Beyond Ocean & Main, and WATD. These platforms allowed us to educate a broader audience and elevate the conversation around PANS and PANDAS.
Collaborations &
PARTNERSHIPS
Our partnerships with esteemed organizations have been instrumental in furthering awareness, education, and advocacy initiatives. Together, we are stronger and more effective in our shared goals.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Donors
CURE ($10,000+)
• Witkos & Cunningham Family
• Russell & JoAnn Bankes
HEALING ($7,500+)
• McLean Family
HOPE ($5,000+)
BELIEVE ($2,500+)
• Havlicek Family
• Carrabes Family
• McDowall Family
• Margaret Pearson
RESILIENCE ($1,000+)
• Brian & Michelle Joyce
• Ronald & Julie Druker
• Bill Buehler
• Melissa Glynn-Hyman, LICSW
• Joe & Carol McCluskey
• David Heaton
• Ruddick Family
• Robert Crowley
• Linda Repaci
• Donna Lavoie
• Jane & Payson Swaffield Charitable Trust
• Ed McGowan
VILLAGE ($500+)
• McCarthy Family
• Nancy Lynch
• Fogel Family
• Michael Tramontozzi
• Gene Tramontozzi
• Marc Brookman
• Gene Mulligan
• Rebel
• Jim Durocher
• AJ & Meghan Leimenstoll
• Erica & Mike Funari
• McCarron Family
• Paul & Claudine McCluskey
• Tom Murray
• Sarah Norwood
• Amy Pinto
• Joseph Serra
• Kathy & John Settelen
• Sutphin Family
• Kathryn Turesky
• Elisabeth Hines
• DaPapa
• The Carters
• The Brandmeyers
• Bob Coughlin
• Hellica Drilling , Inc.
• Josh Cutler
• The Frenettes
• Nicole Hennessey
Acknowledgments
The accomplishments of 2024 are a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting families, raising awareness, and advocating for those affected by PANS and PANDAS. Each milestone achieved brings us closer to a future where these conditions are fully understood and effectively treated.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Your dedication and generosity have been instrumental in driving our mission forward.
Let us recognize the true heroes—the PANS/PANDAS children and young adults. It is their strength and resilience that inspires all of us.
