Hunterdon County School Nurse Association and John Beckley join advocacy campaign in support of kids with Tourette Syndrome
May 14, 2009- Hunterdon County’s school nurses and Health Director John Beckley declare “Wednesday is TS Day!” By calling for a day of awareness, these important offices are advocating on behalf of the 1 in 200 New Jersey children with Tourette Syndrome.
Tourette Syndrome is a misunderstood neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor or vocal movements known as tics. While TS is associated with other conditions like obsessive-compulsive and attention deficit disorders, with proper intervention and treatment, children with TS can expect to lead full and successful lives.
“Early intervention is key,” said New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome Executive Director Faith W. Rice of Califon, “School nurses are on the front lines, we rely on them to help families spot the first signs of Tourette Syndrome, which leads to faster diagnosis and better therapeutic intervention.” NJCTS provides in-service training to educators and school nurses on how to spot the signs and symptoms of TS and creative management strategies for students coping with this disorder.
“Wednesday is TS Day” is a grassroots campaign through the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) to promote TS awareness and to shatter the stigma attached to this disorder. By declaring “Wednesday is TS Day,” John Beckley and members of the Hunterdon County School Nurses Association join a growing number of prominent New Jersey leaders who support the efforts of NJCTS and TS families across the state.
“Working together, we can change the misperception of Tourette Syndrome and put positive focus on the people who live and thrive with TS,” said NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice, “Wednesday is TS Day is about self-advocacy. We encourage all kids and families with TS to stand proud and take Wednesdays as an opportunity to educate those who may not understand what you’re going through.” To learn more about Wednesday is TS Day, visit www.njcts.org.