Events that inspire and connect us on a deeper level.
Join us for on-line and in-person events.
Events Schedule
Current & Upcoming Events
Healing Stories: Creative Writing Workshop Series
Sat, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 7, Jan 11, 2024/25, 8:30 PM (ET)
Join us to turn your PANS PANDAS journey into a Healing Story!
If you’re a Canadian whose life has been impacted by PANS PANDAS—whether as someone with the condition, a parent/caregiver, or a sibling—this might be the perfect program for you. The Healing Stories creative writing program is designed for beginner to intermediate writers who want to capture their PANS PANDAS journey in writing—whether for personal healing or to share their story with others.
You can sign up for one or all four workshops HERE.
Past Events
#LightUp4PANS | Global Landmark Lighting Campaign
Wed, Oct 9, 2024, ~7:30 PM (or dusk)
Exciting Awareness News! As many of you remember from last year, Inflamed Brain Alliance launched an official Canadian landmark lighting campaign called #Red4PANS. This year we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our global landmark lighting partnership campaign.
On October 9 World PANS PANDAS Awareness Day, 11 advocacy organizations (including ours) around the globe will be lighting up landmarks #Red4PANS or #Green4PANS. This #LightUp4PANS collaboration unites organizations and individuals from around the world to shine a light on PANS & PANDAS, support those affected, and drive impactful change. Together, we are stronger and more capable of making a difference. Stay tuned for landmark approval updates on the 9th of every month.
Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2 & 5 km Walk (Canada-wide)
Sat, Sept 21, 2024, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
PANS PANDAS is no walk in the park… but this fundraiser is.
Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS is Inflamed Brain Alliance’s (IBA) family-friendly signature peer-to-peer event. This year we anticipate uniting 200+ walkers across Canada to raise crucial funds and awareness for the PANS PANDAS community.
Join us to kick off our 2nd Annual Steppin’ Out 2 & 5 km walk in Bowness Park (Calgary, AB), Erindale Park (Mississauga, ON), and virtually across Canada on Sat, Sept 21 between 1-3 PM.
2024 Charity Partner | Calgary & Ottawa Marathons
Sat/Sun, May 25/26, 2024
We’re excited to announce that IBA is an official 2024 charity partner for both the Desjardins Charity Challenge at the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and the Servus Charity Challenge at the Calgary Marathon! When you participate in either of these races by joining our “Inflamed Brain Alliance for PANS PANDAS” team (either IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY) you can help raise funds to support Canadian research, education and awareness for PANS PANDAS.
Register or donate using the links below:
OTTAWA MARATHON – May 25-26
CALGARY MARATHON – May 26
[Educational Webinar]
Ready Position: Identifying and Supporting the Unique Needs of PANS PANDAS
Thu, Apr 25, 2024, 7:30 – 9:00 PM (EST)
Guest presentation and Q&A with Emily Bennett, MSW, RCSW
Emily Bennett discusses the unique trajectory of PANS PANDAS and how it can bring on specific challenges for those impacted (both children and caregivers). She shares strategies and considerations that can be utilized when children (and their caregivers) are struggling or doing well.
[Educational Webinar]
Understanding and Managing Caregiver Trauma Associated with PANS PANDAS
Thu, Feb 29, 2024, 7:30 – 9:00 PM (EST)
Guest presentation and Q&A with Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, M.Ed
In IBA’s inaugural educational webinar, Sheilah Guach discusses the barriers that caregivers of children with PANS PANDAS face trying to care for and support their children.
Light-Up for PANS PANDAS (Canada-wide landmark lighting)
Mon, Oct 9, 2023, ~7:30 PM (or dusk)
To honour World PANS PANDAS Awareness Day, over 60 landmarks across Canada (from the Legislative Assembly in Victoria, BC to the Cabot Tower Signal Hill in St. John’s, NL) will be lighting-up #Red4PANS. IBA’s Light-Up for PANS PANDAS initiative aims to shine a light on PANS PANDAS, fostering greater understanding and highlighting the pressing need for more resources and support.
Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2 & 5 km Walk (Canada-wide)
Sat, Sept 23, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
PANS PANDAS is no walk in the park… but this fundraiser is.
The Inflamed Brain Alliance is hosting a 2 & 5 km walk in Bowness Park, Calgary, AB and virtually across Canada on Sat, Sept 23 between 2-4 PM. Please join us to kick off our 1st Annual Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS fundraiser walk by ‘steppin’ out’ on a local park trail across Canada.
“In a Squeeze” Lemonade Stand Challenge (Canada-wide)
Summer 2023 (June 21 – Sept 21)
We’re taking a stand against PANS PANDAS one cup of lemonade at a time.
Your “In a Squeeze” lemonade stand fundraiser for Inflamed Brain Alliance (IBA) will help ensure all kids with PANS PANDAS have the chance to get the diagnosis & care they need. By holding a stand in your community, you’re raising important awareness and financial support for this little known disorder. Thanks for helping PANS PANDAS kiddos & families “In a Squeeze.” Have fun with your friends “taking a stand” with IBA this summer! Let’s do this!
Find/organize a picnic in the park:
- Check our website to confirm a peer support group exists in your area and email the chapter lead for picnic details.
- Support group doesn’t exist in your area? See if you can find other P/P families you know to gather.
- Not connected to any local P/P families yet? See if you can gather a group together by asking families in your regional P/P Facebook support group: BC, Prairies, Ontario.
Picnic in the Park (Canada-wide)
Sun, July 23, 2023, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Join us for IBA’s inaugural Picnic in the Park! Summer is the perfect time to bring our families together to build strong & connected communities of support. IBA is inviting all Canadian PANS/PANDAS families to get together in-person on July 23, 2023 from 4-7 pm at local parks across Canada. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, games and a potluck dish to share.
If you’re hosting a picnic please email Nancy with your event details as seen below:
city/town & province | picnic location | date & time | RSVP email and your name
As soon as we have your details, we’ll add you to our confirmed picnic locations below. This’ll be a great way to bring our community together across Canada!
Picnic locations confirmed:
Calgary, AB | Bowness Park | July 23, 4-7 PM | RSVP | add to Google Calendar
Milton, ON | Brookville Park | July 23, 4-7 PM | RSVP | add to Google Calendar
Spruce Grove, AB | Jubilee Park | July 23, 4-7 PM | RSVP | add to Google Calendar
more coming soon…
[Zoom Meeting]
Inaugural Chapter Lead Meeting
Thu, Mar 23, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 PM MDT
IBA’s Inaugural Chapter Lead Meeting for all confirmed Chapter Leads will be held on Thurs, Mar 23. If you’re interested in becoming a Chapter Lead, our National Lead of Peer Support Chapters, Nancy Lawrynowicz, would love to connect, your involvement with our IBA community is valued. If you go to IBA’s website under the Chapter Lead web page you’ll find a Hubspot sign-up form. Please fill out the form and Nancy will be in touch with you ASAP.
[Live Webinar]
Introduction to Inflamed Brain Alliance & Peer Support
Thu, Jan 12, 2023, 6:30 – 7:30 PM MDT
Join us for a virtual introduction to the Inflamed Brain Alliance. We’re a new Canadian charity on a mission to serve and unite those within and beyond the PANS/PANDAS community to improve health, deliver education, and accelerate research. In this inaugural webinar you’ll meet the co-founders as they share about the charity’s origins and upcoming program developments. You’ll also hear exciting peer support plans from our National Lead of Chapter Groups.
Erich Herchen & Guests Piano Concert:
An Inflamed Brain Alliance Fundraiser
Thu, June 9, 2022, 7:00 – 9:00 PM MDT
Enjoy an unforgettable evening in support of IBA with gifted Calgary pianist Erich Herchen, and guests Riley Ngo and Colleen Athparia.
Join us in helping launch Canada’s first national PANS/PANDAS charitable organization, Inflamed Brain Alliance, working to restore brain health for people impacted by PANS/PANDAS.