In 2004, 10-year-old Dean was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). His school guidance counselor invited a representative from a new organization, New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS), to speak at his school, providing vital education for his teachers and classmates. With this newfound understanding, Dean’s school experience improved significantly. But socially, he still felt alone.
Luckily for Dean and his family, in 2004, our founder, Faith Rice, started a camp retreat weekend for families facing a Tourette Syndrome diagnosis, something she didn’t have for her own son. This retreat, held at YMCA Camp Bernie in Hunterdon County, brought families together for education, support, and fun. For Dean, Camp was transformative. He met life-long friends with TS, gained confidence, and decided to become an advocate.
Thanks to your support, for the last 20 years, NJCTS has reached thousands of community members through programs like Youth Advocate training, the Tim Howard Leadership Academy, Camp FantasTIC, and the Family Summit. However, many individuals still need help—and we can’t do it without you.
Dean went on to become one of the first NJCTS Youth Advocates, helping raise awareness, educate school and healthcare professionals, and advocate for TS funding. He spoke to legislators at the State Capitol and inspired others to get involved in the fight for TS awareness.
Today, Dean is a graduate of Rollins College and runs a successful construction business with his brother. He’s reconnected with NJCTS, eager to help children like him understand their diagnosis and become advocates.
“NJCTS changed my life. Without their education program, the friends I made at camp, and the leadership skills I gained, my experience could have been so different.”
Dean
Dean’s story is a testament to the impact of NJCTS. However, many individuals still need help—and we can’t do it without you. With your support, we can continue to help children like him navigate their TS diagnosis, build a supportive community, and raise awareness.
There are still many children with TS in New Jersey who do not have access to medical professionals who can diagnosis TS, psychologists who can treat tics and associated disorders, or school administrations who are open to youth advocate presentations. While NJCTS has helped move the needle on research into the causes of TS, much more research needs to be done into the cause aswell as successful therapies and treatments.
Support the Next Generation
Your contribution will help us to fund our mission including expanding our outreach into underserved communities, underwriting expenses at the TS Clinic at Rutgers to reduce the waiting list, and build our family programming and services.
- By supporting NJCTS, you are supporting your neighbors.
- By supporting NJCTS, you are supporting a 20-year legacy of support, understanding, and acceptance for individuals with a TS.
- By supporting NJCTS, you are supporting our mission of advocacy, education and research.
- By supporting NJCTS, you are supporting this next generation of advocates and families who are following in Dean’s footsteps.