Every year, the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) hosts its annual NJ Walks for TS, a community event that brings together families, advocates, and supporters to raise awareness, funds, and understanding for those living with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. And every year, 17-year-old Ryder from Yardley, Pennsylvania, shows up ready to make a difference.
For the second year running, Ryder has been among the event’s standout fundraisers, rallying friends, family, and community members around a cause that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. But for Ryder, this isn’t about numbers. It’s about people.
“I do NJ Walks for TS because it promotes awareness, acceptance, and advocacy of Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. Not only this, but it is a chance to stand up and step out to break the stigma attached to TS and show your support for our friends, family, and neighbors living with this misunderstood neurobiological disorder.” – Ryder, Yardley, PA – NJ Walks for TS participant
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements and sounds known as tics. As many as 1 in 50 people show signs of TS or other tic disorders, which are frequently accompanied by co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. Despite being more common than many realize, TS is still widely misunderstood, and that can carry real consequences for the people who live with it every day. Stigma, isolation, and a lack of public awareness are challenges the TS community continues to face.
That’s exactly why events like NJ Walks for TS matter. The walk is more than a fundraiser — it’s a visible, public statement that the TS community is not alone. Every participant who laces up their shoes and joins the walk helps send that message a little further.
This year’s walk takes place on Saturday, May 2 at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, NJ.
Ryder’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have all the answers to make an impact, you just have to show up. Whether you know someone with TS, want to learn more, or simply believe in standing up for people in your community, this walk is for you.
Registration for NJ Walks for TS is open now. Visit njcts.org/walk to sign up, start a team, or find out more about how NJCTS supports individuals and families living with Tourette Syndrome across New Jersey and beyond.