SOMERVILLE (March 28, 2018) – Jatin Nayyar of Morganville is a busy guy. The 15-year-old Ranney School sophomore plays tennis, soccer and basketball. And when he’s not playing sports, he’s involved with the Diversity Club and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. But despite his busy schedule, he’s advocating on behalf of himself and other kids and teens with Tourette Syndrome by serving on the Youth Committee of the first NJ Walks for TS virtual walk.
He has been involved with NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) for about two years. “I was researching new techniques or therapies that would help my tics when I found the NJCTS website…and found great opportunities that would benefit me meeting people with Tourette for the first time,” he said.
In 2017, Jatin attended the NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy at Rutgers where he met fellow teens living with Tourette Syndrome and associate disorders. The Academy provides an opportunity for the teens to learn more about their disorder and practice self-advocacy skills, all while forming friendships and connections with other participants.
This spirit of community is a key reason he encourages other kids and families to participate in the walk throughout the month of April. Jatin believes “the general public should come to show support to families that you’re not alone and that there are always people there for you.”
The TS Walks for TS virtual walk takes place throughout the month of April. Teens across the state are pulling together families and friends to support their personal walk or run to raise awareness for NJCTS. The walk can take place on their own time in a location of their choosing. Proceeds from the walk benefit important NJCTS programs including education outreach and the Leadership Academy.
Jatin and the rest of the Youth Committee invite you to register today at www.njcts.org/virtual. You can also support Jatin’s walk at www.njcts.org/teamjatin.
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