Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide hope, health and support to children and young adults suffering from PANS and PANDAS as well as their families. We will do this by offering monetary grants that help eligible children with PANS/PANDAS receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, we aim to bring education and awareness to caregivers, schools, physicians, and communities to bring a new level of understanding to these illnesses.
The JBC Foundation was created in honor of the late John B. Cunningham, whose two grandchildren struggled with PANS/PANDAS.
“John B. Cunningham was my Dad. He was kind, generous, loyal, supportive, and incredibly funny. He was an exceptional father, grandfather, husband, and friend. Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in 2012. We miss him every day. My Dad had an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that lifted everyone around him. He was the person everyone thought of as their best friend. He would do anything to help a friend or family member in need without hesitation; it was just who he was. This support applied to me and my daughter, his granddaughter, during her first years with PANS.
PANS and PANDAS are very difficult, both for the child and their family. The process to understand the disease, and determine a course of action, is beyond overwhelming. At times it is heartbreaking and feels futile; other times you feel hopeful. If you have not lived with it, it really is hard to “get it.” It truly takes a VILLAGE to get through it all and on the path to healing. The people you find along the way change you, inspire you, and lift you. You cry, share stories and information, research, and move forward.
The PANS families and communities become your people and your village. Together, you find the strength needed to endure and heal. I am forever grateful to my VILLAGE, my friends, my family, our dedicated doctors, and the incredible alternative practitioners, researchers, and legislatures fighting for change. The COURAGE of our children is beyond inspiring. The SUPPORT we receive from our COMMUNITY takes my breath away. The dedication of our doctors and practitioners who are really “in this” with us to help find a cure shows a level of SUPPORT that is unparalleled. We are forever grateful.”
-Cathy Cunningham Witkos
Meet Our Team
Cathy Cunningham Witkos, President
Jennifer McCormack Vitelli, Executive Director
Cathy has three children (one healing from PANS/PANDAS) and Jennifer has four sons (three of whom are healing from PANS/PANDAS). Cathy and Jennifer’s desire to advocate and their “never give up” attitudes turned into an unyielding need to learn more, find answers, and spread awareness about PANS/PANDAS. They have both served on several boards and committees over the past decade, including aligning themselves with five other parents and a medical advisor to launch the New England PANS/PANDAS Association in 2013.
Today, Cathy and Jennifer bring their years of experience along with their passion for helping others to The JBC Foundation. They look forward to providing other families with HOPE, HEALTH, and SUPPORT on this uncharted and often difficult medical journey.
Board of Directors
The Hummingbird:
JBC’s Symbol of Hope
The hummingbird is one of the most fascinating birds because of its ability to move its body swiftly, change direction quickly yet smoothly and seemingly gliding from one place to another.
When the hummingbird shows up in your life, it may be an invitation to flex your path, perhaps even bending backward or forward, in order to accommodate life’s circumstances. You may be required to adapt to a situation that is a bit more demanding than usual.
The wisdom carried by this spirit animal emphasizes flexibility and lightness in your approach to the unexpected.
Believe.