Tommy Licato is dedicated to educating others about Tourette Syndrome
SOMERVILLE, NJ – The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) is proud to congratulate Tommy Licato, recognized by WMGQ 98.3 as a “Kid who Makes Magic.”
The radio station honors local youth who are making a difference in their community. Licato, of South Plainfield, has demonstrated a sincere desire to use his experiences living with Tourette Syndrome (TS) to help others. As an NJCTS Youth Advocate, Tommy has been trained to lead peer in-services, present medical training alongside experts in the treatment of TS and mentor younger kids facing a new diagnosis.
In addition, Licato has spent countless hours fundraising and performing acts of advocacy to bring awareness and support to TS- a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary sounds or movements known as tics.
“I choose to educate people about TS because I don’t want people going through the bad experiences I did,” said Licato, who suffered bullying from classmates who didn’t understand his disorder, “Educating my peers changed my life for the better and I want to give another person with TS that same feeling.”
“Tommy has been a great part of what we do,” said NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice, “We’re very proud of him and the good work he is doing on behalf of the 1 in 100 children in NJ living with this disorder.”
Licato was nominated by Nancy Toeltl, a lifelong family friend. He and the other children and teens selected as Magic 98.3’s “Kids who Make Magic” will receive a special gift and enjoy a night of fun at iPlay America in Freehold.