To mark the occasion of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in New Jersey, the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, Inc. (NJCTS) celebrated with a press conference and award ceremony at the New Jersey State House in Trenton on Monday, June 5.
Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-7) presents awards at the State House on Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in New Jersey.
Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-7) partnered with NJCTS to recognize accomplished high school seniors who live with Tourette Syndrome (TS)—an inherited, neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 individuals.
Singleton presented Youth Advocate of the Year awards to Tess Kowalski of Plainsboro and Anna Baldwin of Mantua in recognition of their contribution to making a difference in New Jersey’s Tourette Syndrome Community. NJCTS Youth Advocates are dedicated to improving awareness and breaking the stigma of TS by educating the public, medical professionals, and educators, and by supporting kids and families living with TS. Tess and Anna were recognized for their outstanding leadership throughout the many they have served as Youth Advocates.
Singleton also presented Youth Scholarship Awards to Tommy Licato of South Plainfield, Michael Poirier of Montgomery, David Cummings of Montclair, Patrick McIntyre of Mullica Hill, Daniel Ortner of Woodbury Heights, Rose Petrick of Perth Amboy, Trevor Salvior of Randolph, and Noah Feldstein of Randolph. Nicholas Alvino of Wanaque, James Paton of New Milford, and Rachel Malley of Woolwich Township were recognized in absentia. Winners were selected based upon academic achievement, community involvement, and accomplishments as individuals living with this challenging and complex neurological disorder.
In recognition of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in New Jersey, families across the state are requesting proclamations from their towns and NJCTS receives a Governor’s proclamation every June for the past 14 years. This year, resolutions have been introduced in both the Assembly and the Senate which would officially designate June 4th as TS Awareness Day in New Jersey, year after year. Families and friends are encouraged to reach out to their legislators asking them to support the resolutions.
NJCTS Executive Director Faith Rice with Youth Advocates and Youth Scholarship winners celebrating June 4th Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in New Jersey.
For more information about NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, please call 908-575-7350 or visit www.njcts.org.