A rare autoimmune condition has drastically changed the life of a Ballito schoolgirl, prompting her family to seek community support for treatment.

Ten-year-old Ellie-Rae Reece was diagnosed in April with either PANS (Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), two complex and poorly understood conditions.

Due to overlapping symptoms and limited research, doctors have been unable to determine which of the two she is battling. PANDAS is commonly linked to infections such as strep throat and can cause sudden behavioural changes, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics and psychological disturbances.

PANS is believed to occur when the immune system attacks healthy brain cells, affecting central nervous system function.

Symptoms are often severe and include anxiety, OCD, motor tics, personality changes, cognitive regression, sensory sensitivities, panic attacks and chronic migraines.

For Ellie-Rae’s family, the change has been sudden and heartbreaking.

“I’m devastated; I cry more than anything – it’s hard!” said her mother, Bianca Reece-Martini.

“I can’t describe what we are going through, the emotional strain is family-wrecking. Ellie-Rae was full of life; now she lies in bed all day.”

Just months ago, the Eden Village Preparatory School Grade 5 pupil was thriving, excelling academically, winning gymnastics medals and playing golf. Today, she struggles with basic routines and has missed nearly a month of school due to panic attacks and sensory overload.

Despite the challenges, Ellie-Rae remains hopeful.

“It’s hard for me to do normal things, but I’m positive,” she said.

“I write poems to read every night to remind me that I’m strong and that I’ll get through this.”

Treatment is intensive and costly, with medical aid covering little. Ellie-Rae requires long-term intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, with each session costing between R35 000 and R50 000.

The family is appealing for community support to help fund her care. Donations towards treatment costs can be made at Ellie-Rae PANS/PANDAS | BackaBuddy.