Second annual 5K walk and family fun run raised funding and support for NJ Center for TS
Bringing a message of advocacy and acceptance to Mercer County Park, the second annual NJ Walks for TS at Princeton exceeded last year’s fundraising for NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome
WEST WINDSOR, NJ- The second annual NJ Walks for TS at Princeton brought awareness and advocacy for Tourette Syndrome to Mercer County Park on Sunday. The crowd made up of children, parents, grandparents and even the family pet gathered to stand up in support of the 1 in 100 New Jersey kids with Tourette Syndrome- a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements or sounds known as tics.
State Senator Linda Greenstein (D-14) and Assemblyman Wayne De Angelo (D-14) helped to kick off the event which was brought to Central Jersey by 15-year-old Tess Kowalski of Plainsboro. Tess is a Youth Advocate, a specially trained leader who educates the public about TS. She and her father, Tim Kowalski organized the event to benefit the Education Outreach Programs of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) which deliver trainings to doctors, nurses, psychologists, educators and students throughout the state.
Youth Co-Chairs Hallie Hoffman of Belle Mead and Ethan Lederman of Howell shared their experiences with TS from diagnosis to their participation in NJCTS leadership training programs. Their heartfelt welcome and Tess’s thank you to all participants was a heartwarming highlight of a very special day.
“It’s empowering to see so many people stand up and step out to break the stigma attached to TS and encourage the good work of the young people who started this event,” said NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice. “NJ Walks for TS was designed for kids, by kids and to see them stand proudly makes us all want to carry their message of acceptance.”
NJCTS would like to thank the following sponsors and in-kind donors: Advanced Dental Arts, Horizon Services, the Corner Bakery Cafe at Princeton MarketFair, New Jersey 101.5 FM, Gold Medal Plumbing, Montgomery Eye Care, Wegmans, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Harvest Moon Inn, Sahara Sam’s Diggerland, the State Theatre and Rob Wilson Photography.
Donations for this event can be made through njcts.org until the end of April. All donations will benefit the Education Outreach Programs and continue to break last year’s fundraising record from NJ Walks for TS at Princeton.
NJ Walks for TS will come to South Jersey on September 20th at Medford Lakes. For more information visit www.njcts.org.