Grey Sky Films has produced a new series of videos to promote the impact NJCTS has had on families. Three families – the Straley’s, the Ordonez-Coronado’s, and the Delaney’s – sat down with us to discuss their journey with Tourette Syndrome and how they found NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome.
From the family retreat and other special events to school presentations and advocacy training, NJCTS brings the TS community together and helps them navigate their social, educational, and medical challenges. As young Armani says, NJCTS is his “safe place.”
The Straley Family
The Straley family are from Englishtown. They found NJCTS after son Dylan was diagnosed in 2018. Dylan enjoyed camp, TS Rocks, and the Disc Golf Tournament along with his brother Gavin, who began to experience tics himself just recently. Both boys have been inspired by youth advocate Sam Regen to speak about their TS and advocate for themselves and others.
The Ordonez-Coronado Family
The Ordonez family found NJCTS when Armani’s TS began affecting his school life. NJCTS provided resources to his teachers and sent a youth advocate to do a presentation to his peers. His family also enjoys Camp FantasTIC and appreciate the opportunity to speak with other families to share and learn from each other. Sister Ivana likes meeting other siblings at NJCTS events and wants to learn to advocate for her brother.
The Delaney Family
Katie Delaney is a familiar face (and voice) to NJCTS families. She is the Family and Medical Coordinator and speaks to all new families, helping them find doctors, providing educational resources, setting up school presentations, or just providing an empathetic ear. But once upon a time, it was Katie’s parents who were searching for answers, and they too found them at NJCTS.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome or a tic disorder, NJCTS was created for you. NJCTS provides referrals for medical diagnosis, treatment and psychological services; coordinated family support among partner and community organizations; education and training at medical schools and universities to develop a new generation of professionals who are knowledgeable about TS and its associated disorders; and outreach to educators, and medical professionals.
As part of our Education Outreach and Youth Development programs, NJCTS trains teens to lead presentations to student groups about Tourette Syndrome. Advocates are empowered by sharing their experiences in front of audiences and attendees receive a strong anti-bullying message that promotes acceptance, tolerance, and self-advocacy for all.
For more information about any of our programs or services, please call 908-575-7350, or email info@njcts.org.