{"id":1159,"date":"2012-08-16T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2012-08-16T12:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/njcts.org\/tsparents\/?p=1159"},"modified":"2012-08-16T08:00:07","modified_gmt":"2012-08-16T12:00:07","slug":"its-a-marathon-effort-raising-funds-for-tourette-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/njcts.org\/tsparents\/its-a-marathon-effort-raising-funds-for-tourette-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"It’s a marathon effort raising funds for Tourette Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story was written by Diana Sholley of the San Bernardino County Sun in California and first appeared on their website, www.sbsun.com<\/a><\/strong>, on August 11. This is not the full story. To read the complete version, click here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

The purpose of posting this story is to give people seeking to fundraise for the 3rd annual Youth Advocate 5K Family Run\/Walk<\/a><\/strong> on November 3 in Mendham, N.J., some ideas on how to bring in donations<\/a><\/strong>. If you read this story and encounter similar success, we want to hear from you either by e-mail at parents@njcts.org<\/a><\/strong> or in the comments section below!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nathan Williams started Alta Loma Junior High School this year with new school supplies, a positive attitude and a fundraising goal of $1,000.<\/p>\n

Nathan, a 12-year-old Fontana resident, is the leader of Team N8, pronounced “Nate,” which will participate in the Disneyland 5K Run\/Walk Marathon “One Lap Closer to a Cure” on Sept. 1 to raise money for the Tourette Syndrome Association.<\/p>\n

You see, Nathan himself has Tourette Syndrome. He was diagnosed when he was 7. And, like thousands of others who suffer from the neurological disorder – he hopes for a cure.<\/p>\n

“Just knowing that I’m fighting for a cure, not only for me, but for everyone who has TS, keeps me going,” said Nathan, whose parents Scott and Jackie Williams are supportive of their son. “It’s for a good cause.”<\/p>\n

In the past four years Nathan has developed strategies for dealing with his tics such as chewing gum or carrying a stress ball, but what helps him most is helping others with TS deal with their symptoms as well as everyday life.<\/p>\n

“When others who have TS come and talk to me I just try and get them through the bad times. Sometimes I can help — sometimes I can’t,” he said. “I try and tell them, ‘Don’t get mad at yourself because of your Tourette’s — you can’t help it.’ ”<\/p>\n

Nathan has taken ownership not only of his Tourette Syndrome but his commitment to raise money as well as awareness, his father Scott says.<\/p>\n

Earlier this month Team N8 held a fundraiser at the Rancho Cucamonga Red Brick Pizza and Nathan was in charge.<\/p>\n

“Nathan handed out fliers to restaurants, hotels and businesses himself,” Scott said. “(At the fund-raiser) he personally thanked everyone who came in and answered questions and just made a point of getting the word out. I know it’s not easy for him sometimes, but we’re so proud of him putting himself out there.”<\/p>\n

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