Charles Griebell is a high school junior, and he’s changing the way the public understands Tourette Syndrome (TS).
TS is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary sounds and movements known as tics. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 1 in 100 children show signs of TS—tens of thousands in New Jersey alone. Unlike many other neurological disorders, people TS with often report feeling much stigma attached to this condition.
Charles Griebell, NJCTS Youth Advocate, “One of The GreaTS”, and Youth Co-Chair of NJ Walks for TS at Princeton taking place on Sunday, April 2.
Griebell is working with the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) to teach the public about life with TS—both to address misunderstandings, and to raise awareness so that kids with symptoms do not have to suffer undiagnosed. Through Youth Advocate training, Griebell is part of the Center’s education outreach program, which includes school in-service workshops for students and educators, and hospital grand rounds for healthcare professionals to identify and properly manage TS.
All proceeds from the 4th annual NJ Walks for TS at Princeton 5K walk/fun run on April 2nd will benefit the programs that are educating children, families, and professionals statewide. Griebell is serving as a youth co-chair and invites the community to join the event for a day of family fun, music and acceptance.
“It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon while doing a healthy activity and helping a great cause,” said Griebell. “TS is worth learning about.”
Registration and event information is available at www.njcts.org/walk. For more information about Tourette Syndrome and the work of NJCTS, call 908-575-7350.
NJ Walks for TS at Princeton
Sunday, April 2nd
On-site check-in begins at 1 p.m.
Mercer County Park – West Picnic Area
www.njcts.org/walk