Saturday morning, November 12th, will be a day like no other at the Overpeck Park Amphitheater as the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) presents NJ Walks for TS at Bergen, a 5K walk/family fun run to benefit the organization’s education outreach programs.
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and sounds known as tics. As many as 1 in 100 children exhibit symptoms of TS—with an estimated 20,000 in New Jersey alone. TS is frequently accompanied by learning disabilities, neurological challenges, and mental health disorders.
Children with TS often report feelings of isolation from dealing with the stigma attached to TS, so NJCTS delivers on-site school in-service presentations for teachers and staff, as well as anti-bullying programs for students, improving classroom outcomes and creating acceptance among peers. In addition, NJCTS conducts hospital grand rounds and other trainings for healthcare professionals with the goal of expediting accurate diagnoses. NJCTS has presented hundreds of such presentations and workshops throughout the state, and specifically in Bergen County, in recent years.
NJ Walks for TS was founded by kids, for kids, to benefit kids with TS and associated disorders. A youth committee comprised of local teens with TS are canvassing their hometowns to recruit walkers and runners as well as solicit sponsorships from local businesses. Together, their mission is to create an understanding of TS that will change public perception of the often maligned disorder. This statewide awareness and advocacy event is now moving to the Overpeck Park Amphitheater in Ridgefield Park in order to include a larger group of attendees.
“We’re excited to bring NJ Walks for TS to Bergen County and look forward to welcoming local residents to join us and empower the children and families we serve,” said NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice.
The day will feature live music from the Good Works Band and singer/songwriter Carl Gentry; a 50/50 raffle; a silent auction featuring gift certificates from Barhs Landing, The Cheesecake Factory, and more; sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s Subs; as well as games for the whole family. Pre-registration is required to guarantee an event T-shirt. Walkers and runners of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend and teams are encouraged. Attendees are invited to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy after the walk/run.
NJ Walks for TS at Bergen
Saturday, Nov. 12th
8:00 a.m- Noon (Rain or shine)
Overpeck County Park Amphitheater, 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ
To register or donate njcts.org.
For more information, or to sponsor this event, call 908-575-7350.