A powerful plea for legislative change echoed through the Louisiana Senate Insurance Committee meeting on May 28, 2025, as two young sisters shared their harrowing experiences with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections). Navily and Genevieve Gross, aged 15 and 13 respectively, recounted their struggles with the disorder, emphasizing the urgent need for better awareness and treatment options in Louisiana.

Navily, diagnosed at just nine years old, described a tumultuous journey filled with misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments that left her feeling like a "zombie." She highlighted the critical importance of timely and accurate diagnosis, stating, "I would really love for this bill to be passed so that other kids don't have to go through that as long as I did." Her sister Genevieve echoed this sentiment, sharing how her own diagnosis came only after their family recognized the signs from Navily's experience. She stressed that early treatment is vital, saying, "When you get PANDAS, all of a sudden your entire world falls apart, and there's no time to wait."

Their mother, Michelle Gross, added a poignant note about the genetic nature of the disorder and the impact it has had on their family life. The sisters' testimonies underscored the pressing need for legislative action to improve healthcare responses for children suffering from PANDAS in Louisiana.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members were urged to consider the implications of the proposed bill, which aims to enhance awareness and treatment protocols for PANDAS. The Gross family's heartfelt stories serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by many families dealing with this condition and the critical need for legislative support to ensure timely and effective care for affected children.