COLUMBUS, N.J. – As part of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, the Northern Burlington Chapter of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) undertook a civic consciousness project in support of research to help fight TS during the week of May 13 to 17 at all schools in the Northern Burlington County Regional School District.
The district – which serves the communities of Chesterfield Township, Mansfield Township, North Hanover Township and Springfield Township – raised $630, the proceeds of which will benefit the programs and services of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS).
“We are proud to help this worthwhile cause and wish you much success in all that you do to help those with Tourette,” said Civic Project Chairperson Nick Cowen, who was assisted by DECA Project Manager Christopher Forcini and DECA Adviser Ellen N. Karch.
Tourette Syndrome is an inherited, misdiagnosed, misunderstood neurological disorder characterized by sounds and movements known as tics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects 1 in 100 children. Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, as proclaimed annually in the Garden State by the Office of the Governor of New Jersey, takes place from May 15 through June 15.
“We are honored that the Northern Burlington Chapter of DECA chose the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome as a beneficiary of its civic project,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice said. “Their efforts will help our organization assist the New Jersey children and families affected by Tourette Syndrome through our family support services, educational in-service programs and statewide advocacy and awareness efforts.”
More information about Tourette Syndrome, the programs and services of NJCTS, or TS Awareness Month is available by calling 908-575-7350 or by visiting www.njcts.org