By Jill Barth – Contributor
Food and Drink

Published October 9, 2020

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillbarth/2020/10/09/wines-from-france-and-california-raise-awareness-for-a-disease-called-pandas/#1ea7f9ef7eef

When Alexandra “Alex” Manfull passed away in 2018 at 26 years old, her parents barely understood the condition that took her life. Susan and William “Towny” Manfull’s daughter was living in Washington D.C., pursuing a successful career in finance. She was a runner and reader, a proud graduate of Princeton University and Phillip Exeter Academy. She was bright and kind, and gone too soon.

Alex suffered from a disease called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and the Manfulls weren’t the only people unfamiliar with the condition—many physicians, parents and educators hadn’t even heard of it. “It’s not covered in medical schools, not a part of the curriculum,” says Susan. “We are doing work on seeing that changed.”…

Tacos and wine aren’t your average pairing. But Alex wasn’t your average young woman.

This month, my pairing is dedicated to the memory of Susan and Towny’s daughter, Alex, who died from complications from PANDAS (Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections). October is PANDAS Awareness Month.

If you have or know a child, teen, or young adult who—after a bout of strep throat—is suddenly exhibiting symptoms of OCD, ADHD, motor or verbal tics, separation anxiety, mood changes, sleep disturbances, skin disorders or even a change in handwriting, you should ask the question: could this be PANDAS? Make an appointment with your physician, and ask. Wouldn’t it be better to be wrong than risk not having asked? For more information, please visit the…