Dear Parents of _______________ Graders, As you may already be aware, it is school policy to report the type of sickness that your child has when he/she is out with an illness. Thank you to those of you who already do this consistently. The purpose of this letter to request that everyone do this, especially if your child, or anyone else in your family has strep throat. There is a student at our school who has a severe and profound negative reaction if he comes in contact with strep. It is important for his family to know if he has come into contact with anyone who may have been exposed to strep throat. If this occurs, simply let ___________ know as soon as you become aware and she will alert the family. Thank you so much for helping us keep our wonderful school as healthy as possible.

Sincerely,

___________

Dear Mr/Ms.,

We are the parents of _______. Doctors have diagnosed him/her with PANDAS/PANS, an autoimmune syndrome triggered by a strep infection that directly impacts his/her educational performance and needs. While PANDAS/PANS is not new and is still somewhat controversial, as parents who have watched their child drastically experience symptoms that literally present overnight…let me assure you, it is very real and very frightening.

It is important to note that PANDAS/PANS is NOT A.D.D., A.D.H.D., a classic learning disability, or a psychiatric condition, but is very much an autoimmune response causing inflammation in the basal ganglia of the brain that, with time and medical attention can be reversed. It also comes and goes, often with repeated flare-ups… especially when he is exposed to strep, flu or other viruses or bacterial infections. The reaction varies from child to child but can cause motor tics, vocal tics, OCD, separation anxiety, sensory issues, issues with focus, emotional lability, change in handwriting and math skills, attention deficits, and more. Even once the infection is cleared, it will take a while for the symptoms to subside.

_______ is a very intelligent, kind, compassionate, and even-tempered child who truly aims to please…unfortunately now, because of PANDAS/PANS, he’s / she’s going to need some help with his/her aim.

Thank you in advance for your kind consideration. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you to ensure a successful educational experience for ________.

Sincerely,

___________

Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic (formerly GutPro® powder)

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Introducing our pure, potent Sensitive Probiotic powder, with the same GutPro® formula you know and love.

Smidge's unique custom probiotic formula is based on extensive research gathered from the following communities with a vested interest in improving gut health:

• PANDAS, PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections)
• GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome)
• Body Ecology Diet
• Gluten-Free / Casein Free / Soy Free (GFCFSF)
• Autism / PDD-NOS

This probiotic was born when folks with extremely sensitive digestive systems told us they weren't able to tolerate certain strains and irritating ingredients in the commercial products on the market. We were compelled to provide precisely what they needed.

Premium, 100% probiotic powder with eight clinically-proven strains of beneficial bacteria. And, our probiotic for sensitive stomachs is made for your comfort. We carefully calibrate the probiotic strains to ease digestion, promote regularity and minimize potential side effects.* That means omitting certain strains found in commercial brands that can cause histamine intolerance, acidosis and other reactions.

Comes with a dosage spoon, which allows you to measure the amount that's right for you and your family.
20 grams (1,000 servings), 3 billion CFUs per serving

Unlike other probiotics, GutPro™ is free of unwanted additives

• No allergens (e.g. dairy, corn, soy, gluten. GutPro™ probiotic is produced on a non-dairy, non-soy vegetarian culture)
• No fillers or excipients (e.g. inulin, cellulose, maltodextrin, FOS)
• No strains that are reported to cause reactions (e.g. streptococcus thermophilus, etc)
• No strains that contribute to d-lactic acidosis (e.g. l-acidophilus, etc)
• No unnecessary ingredients (e.g. magnesium stearate, silica, titanium dioxide)