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Tim Howard Wins Pepsi Refresh Grant on Behalf of NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome

$50,000 will allow NJCTS to establish an Advocacy Academy and expand family support

June 15, 2010- Tim Howard is thrilling audiences on the field in South Africa and across the globe for his skills as goalkeeper for Team USA. But it’s his efforts off the field that has fans back home in New Jersey cheering. Howard won $50,000 for the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome by receiving the most votes in the Pepsi Refresh Project on USSoccer.com.

“I couldn’t be happier that $50,000 will be going to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome,” said Howard. “The grant will help to establish an advocacy academy and expand family [support] for people living with this disease. Thanks to the fans who voted, the support for all of us has been amazing.” Howard, goalkeeper for Everton, has Tourette Syndrome and understands the needs of children facing the stigma of this neurological disorder.

For the past three weeks, fans had the opportunity to cast their votes at www.ussoccer.com/PepsiRefresh for the idea they believed should be awarded a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. Stuart Holden and Clint Dempsey also promoted ideas for charities. Over 63,000 thousand fans voted for their favorite project, and Tim Howard led the pack.

“We are so grateful to Tim Howard for representing us in this contest. He really is a great role model for children with Tourette Syndrome,” said NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice, “He’s making a difference on the field and off the field. Thanks to him, children and young adults with TS and other disorders will learn to advocate for themselves.”

Tourette Syndrome affects as many as 1 in 100 individuals. It’s a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor or vocal movements known as tics. The majority of individuals with TS have associated conditions including ADHD, OCD, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety and rage. Currently, there is no cure. Children with TS frequently express feelings of isolation and a sense of not belonging. To learn more about living with Tourette Syndrome, or the programs and services provided by the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome, please visit www.njcts.org.