NJ Launches TS Awareness Campaign
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NJ Launches TS Awareness Campaign By now you may have Volume 1, Issue 1 heard our big news… Wednesday is TS Day na- July 2008 tionwide! Our long-time supporter Congressman Albio Sires, who was instru- NJ Center for Tourette mental in establishing Syndrome & Associated NJCTS in 2000, introduced a Disorders resolution in the U.S. House 50 Division St. of Representatives to bring Suite 205 awareness to Tourette Syn- Somerville, NJ 08876 drome and our efforts here This Wednesday and every Wednesday think about another in New Jersey. To our sur- way you can help someone with TS. T: 908 575 7350 prise, Rep. Sires’ resolution www.njcts.org includes the declaration of is] often misdiagnosed.” He We are asking New Jersey [email protected] a National TS Wednesday. continued, by issuing a call families, medical profession- We did not expect such for TS awareness and recog- als and educators to take recognition, and we would nized the work of NJ Center each Wednesday to spread HELP WANTED like to thank Rep. Sires and for Tourette Syndrome and the word about Tourette Associated Disorders as “the Syndrome any way they can his staff for their continued Looking to make a difference support and advocacy on first and only program of its - whether it’s talking to a this summer while having kind in the nation, serving neighbor, organizing a fun? NJCTS needs volunteers as the model for others” Wednesday Walk for TS, or to facilitate Wednesday is TS “the first and only pro- Day! events at baseball games across the country. creating an online TS social on July 30, August 6, 13, 20 gram of its kind in the This awareness effort in network. and September 17; and on the nation, serving as the Washington echoes the ad- “The possibilities are lim- Wildwood boardwalk on Au- gust 13th. If you’re interested model for others” vocacy by New Jersey State itless,” said NJCTS Executive in manning tables, passing out Senator Kip Bateman to des- Director Faith Rice, “The literature and telling the world ignate Wednesday is TS families, doctors and teach- that Wednesday is TS Day!, please contact Nicole at behalf of individuals with Day! throughout the Garden ers we work with are so [email protected] Tourette Syndrome in New State. We are enormously creative, I know they’re go- or call the NJCTS office at 908- Jersey…and beyond. grateful to Congressman ing to come up with some 575-7350. Speaking to the House of Sires and his staff for sur- really fun and positive ways prising us with this fantastic to show the public that TS is Do you speak Spanish? If so, Representatives, Rep. Sires we need volunteers to take said Tourette Syndrome is news! something we need to rec- calls on our Helpline. For more “a misunderstood disorder Join us in celebrating by ognize and understand.” information call the NJCTS affecting an unknown num- helping to spread the word office at 908-575-7350. ber of people [because TS that Wednesday is TS Day! Page 2 NJCTS News Real-Life Ghost Stories at Camp Bernie Dave Tango of Sci-Fi Net- Pediatric Neuropsychologist Beverly Tignor, PhD, work’s Ghost Hunters has ABPP; Chiropractic Neurologist Vincent Kiechlin, DC, some pretty hair-raising sto- DACNB; and elementary school teacher Karen Reuther ries to tell. He’s an investiga- shared presentations on alternative therapies for dealing tor with The Atlantic Para- with TS. Education consultant Sandy Romano was on normal Society (TAPS) and hand to help parents understand the special education works to communicate with process, Julie Swenson shared some yoga techniques for ghosts, spirits and other focus and Junior Bass Pro Dan Swenson took everybody things that go bump in the fishing! night. But it’s his own stories For the past three years NJCTS has been providing of dealing with Tourette Syn- children with TS and associated neurological disorders a drome that captivated the camp experience for confidence building, family work- New Jersey Native Dave Tango has TS. audience at Camp Bernie. shops and the opportunity to play without the stigma at- Dave, who was diagnosed tached to this misunderstood condition. The activities are with TS as a child, overcame many obstacles and shared designed to foster a spirit of cooperation, understanding some of his coping strategies. He was joined by his father, and self-esteem. Bruce, and together their words of encouragement to kids negotiating life with TS and associated disorders reso- nated with the dozens of families in attendance. After an exhaustive Q & A session (after all, how many kids get a chance to pick the brain of a real-life Ghostbuster?), Dave graciously signed autographs and visited with many of our member families. Dave’s special visit was just one of the many high- lights of this year’s annual weekend at Camp Bernie, June 6-8. New Jersey State Senator Leonard Lance (R-23) stopped by to discuss his support for TSANJ and NJCTS. Gone fishin’ at Camp Bernie CALENDAR OF EVENTS LEARN ABOUT OUR 9/25/08 Educator Workshop 7:00 p.m. Mercer County College, Wednesday Presenter Cheryl Ludwig 9/26/08 Educator Workshop 9:00 a.m. Webinar Series Raritan Valley Community College, Presenter Julie Swenson, M.Ed. Visit: www.njcts.org for helpful information on Course #: CRN11626 AH402-01 this exciting new learning opportunity for 10/04/08 Educator Workshop 9:00 a.m. families and professionals Brookdale Community College, Presenter Janine Howley, MA Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3 NJCTS Honored for Conquering Stigma New Jersey Center for promote “education, advocacy, re- Tourette Syndrome is the proud re- search and creating new options for cipient of the first New Jersey Gover- treatment. They are empowering stu- nor’s Council on Mental Health dents and families across New Jersey Stigma Ambassador Award for health to break down stigma.” care. “We believe empowering The Ambassador Award rec- children and families to advocate for ognizes organizations that have made themselves will help demystify this significant contributions to reduce disorder and foster an environment the stigma society attaches to mental health disorders. of greater understanding, tolerance Celina Gray, executive direc- and action on behalf of the mental The award was presented in Trenton on May 22, to NJCTS Executive Driector Faith Rice and Dr. tor of the Governor’s Council on health community at large,” said Gary Heiman of Rutgers University. Mental Health Stigma, describes NJCTS Executive Director Faith Rice. NJCTS as a group that works hard to Teachers and Students Making a Difference Nine youngsters took the each received the 2008 “NJCTS stage to declare Wednesday is TS Teacher of the Year” award. The Day at the 6th annual Tourette distinction is earned by teachers Syndrome Recognition Dinner on “who make a significant differ- May 28th. WFAN radio personality ence in the life of a child with Craig Carton followed by implor- TS.” ing the audience to do their part Two very special stu- to commemorate this very impor- dents were honored at the din- tant public awareness campaign. ner as recipients of this year’s While we all can do something annual scholarship. Christopher From left: Dr. Steven Ritz, Austin Guerra and CJ Ratshin each Wednesday, some very spe- Ratshin of Toms River, a gradu- cial teachers were honored for ate of Monsignor Donovan High making everyday TS Day in their School received a $1,000 schol- classrooms. arship and will be attending Vil- Debbie Adams, a third lanova University in the fall. grade teacher from Riverview Austin Guerra of Randolph, a Elementary School in Denville; graduate of The Hudson School Carissa Campanella, a first grade received a $500 scholarship and teacher from Deane Porter Ele- recognition for painting mentary School in Rumson; and “Tourette on Canvas.” He will Campanella Kerri McCaffrey from Mountain be attending Parsons School of View Middle School in Mendham Design in the fall. McCaffrey Adams Non-Profit Org NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome U.S. Postage PAID & Associated Disorders Somerville, NJ 50 Division St., Suite 205 Permit No. 105 Somerville, NJ 08876 NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders is a collaboration among TSANJ, Rutgers University and health professionals across New Jersey. NJCTS Hits Home Run for TS Day! Wednesday is TS Day at the ballpark! NJCTS is teaming up with some of New Jersey’s finest minor league baseball teams to spread the word about Tourette Syndrome. Take your friends and family out to the ballgame and be sure to wear your Wednesday is TS Day! T-shirts, pass out some flyers and cheer really loudly when you hear our Wednesday is TS Day announcements. Wednesday is TS Day! in Newark on July 30th as the Newark Bears will recognize NJCTS. Tickets are available for this game through the NJCTS office by calling 908-575-7350. (All other game tickets must be purchased from the team’s box office) Let’s make this a very special TS Wednesday at Eagles & Bears Riverfront Stadium in Newark! th July 30 Newark Bears 5:05 p.m. th August 6 Camden Riversharks 7:05 p.m. th August 13 Atlantic City Surf 7:05 p.m. th August 20 Trenton Thunder 7:05 p.m. th Sept. 17 Somerset Patriots 6:35 p.m. These are very family-friendly events, so bring the kids and grandparents and enjoy a great game for a great cause. Oh, and don’t forget to wear your Wednesday is TS Day! T-shirt…and if you don’t have one order one through the office. See you at the ballpark! .