13/10/2026
For those of you who’ve visited Teakwood, you’d no doubt know our barista and cafe spirit animal, Ari.
Just over a year ago, Ari’s younger brother, Bodhi, was attending college, volunteering with the SES, learning to drive, socialising and sleeping independently for only the first time in his life. Bodhi was 16 then and after years of challenges associated with autism, OCD and severe anxiety, Bodhi entered the best period of his life.
Then, at 17, everything collapsed.
PANS/PANDAS describes an abrupt or dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with immune and, in some cases, infectious triggers.
For Bodhi, it has meant a young man who was beginning to participate in the world has become completely dependent on his mother again. Now there may be another pathway…
Bodhi’s mother has recently consulted with the head doctor of a specialist clinic in Mexico that treats complex cases such as Bodhi’s. There are very few options available in Australia. We’re asking you to help give Bodhi options.
This fundraiser isn’t a promise that one treatment will cure him.
It’s something much more practical:
When a doctor recommends the next investigation or treatment, we want his family to be able to ask: “Is this right for Bodhi?” Instead of: “How could I possibly afford it?”
Funds raised via this campaign may contribute to:
• Specialist consultations and medical investigations
• Overseas laboratory testing
• Clinician-guided treatment
• Approximately $10,000 of dental treatment under general anaesthetic
• Potential treatment in Mexico
• Flights and accommodation for Bodhi, Elizabeth and a support person if required
• Living expenses while they are overseas
• Other medical and care needs as Bodhi’s treatment pathway develops.
If you can donate, thank you.
If you can’t, please share Bodhi’s story.
Just over a year ago he was going to college, volunteering, learning to drive and beginning his adult life.
Today his mum helps him through every part of his day.
We want to help them get their lives back. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bodhi-get-his-life-back