To mark the occasion of June 4 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in New Jersey, NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) celebrated with a virtual awards ceremony were they awarded their college scholarships, recognized the top walk teams, and awarded the Youth Advocates of the Year. This is the first year the non-profit marked the occasion without founder Faith Rice, who passed away in March.
Scholarships were awarded by NJCTS to accomplished high school seniors who live with Tourette Syndrome (TS)—an inherited, neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 individuals, with onset typically occurring around 6 or 7 years of age. Academic achievement, community involvement and accomplishments all play a part in the NJCTS Scholarship Committee’s decision in selecting winning candidates each year.
Scholarship Recipients
Jordan Rullo of East Brunswick
Natasha Vacca of Middlesex
Daniel Albanese of Branchburg
Eric Baldwin of Mantua
Erin Gass of Vernon
Gavin Jackson of Ocean City
Paige Kowalski of Plainsboro
Ethan Lehr of Ringwood
Ryan Perrone of Columbus
NJCTS has been conducting their virtual event NJ Walks for TS in conjunction with TS Awareness Month (May 15 to June 15). Several young advocates and long-time supporters stepped up for this crowdfunding event and have raised more than $20,000.
Top Five Walk Teams
Trabilcy Tackles Tourettes 3 Team Captain: Sofia Trabilcy of Flemington
Smile More Dentistry Team Captain: Amanda Silvers of East Brunswick
Team Jamo Team Captain: Jameson Dougherty of Newfoundland
Oliver Newhoff Team Captain: Oliver Newhoff of Milford, PA
Center for Emotional Health Team Captain: Dr. Marla Diebler of Cherry Hill
Also on board this year were Walk sponsors Dietz & Watson, Black Bear Brand Deli Meat, The Wawa Foundation, The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia, Smile More Dentistry, and The Creamer Family Foundation.
Youth Advocate of the Year awards were presented to the graduating advocates who went above and beyond for NJCTS during their time in high school. NJCTS Youth Advocates are dedicated to improving awareness and breaking the stigma of TS by educating the public, medical professionals, and educators, and by supporting kids and families living with TS.
Youth Advocates of the Year
Samuel Regen of Robbinsville
Jenna Smith of Scotch Plains
Paige Kowalski of Plainsboro
Eric Baldwin of Mantua
“Every time we see our young people, it inspires us all to work harder and be better,” said Patricia Phillips, NJCTS Executive Director. “We love the work and dedication they put into everything they do, from academics to community service. We congratulate and thank each one of them.”
The NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, the nation’s first Center for Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to ensuring children and adults with Tourette Syndrome are empowered and accepted through education, advocacy and research. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about this disorder. To learn more about Tourette Syndrome and the programs available from NJCTS, visit www.njcts.org.