NJ Walks for TS at Mendham a chance show our kids they're heroes

MENDHAM -- You might not know it, but the child living next door to you could have Tourette Syndrome. Or Tourette could be affecting the kid who sits next to yours in school. Or a member of your family might even be living with TS. Considering Tourette Syndrome is an inherited, misdiagnosed and misunderstood neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 kids, you probably know someone who has it.

And while TS is a condition that continues on into adulthood, it's kids who are most profoundly affected and often must fight a daily battle of being misunderstood by their peers, teachers and often the public at large.

The burden of TS can be overwhelming for families without a community of support, but New Jersey's Tourette community -- more than 85,000 strong (28,000-plus of which are children), when you factor in the 1 in 100 -- is ready, willing and able to help! Join that community and the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) on Saturday, November 23, 2013 for the 4th annual NJ Walks For TS at Mendham -- New Jersey's premiere advocacy and awareness event created for kids, by kids and about kids affected by Tourette Syndrome.

In 2010, Mendham teenager Emily Carrara approached NJCTS with the idea of creating a special day to promote advocacy, foster awareness, have fun and champion the 1 in 100 kids affected by TS. Emily's goal was specifically to raise awareness, acceptance and understanding among peers and teachers in schools throughout New Jersey, and out of those efforts, NJ Walks For TS at Mendham was born.

Every dollar that is raised from this wonderful event will go toward educating teachers and nurses at schools in every corner of the state, as well as conducting peer trainings and anti-bullying sessions on behalf of New Jersey kids with Tourette Syndrome. TS affects every aspect of a child's life, and nowhere is the impact greater than at school and with their peers.

The general public is invited to join with NJCTS and the TS community to fundraise, spread the word and most importantly walk on November 23, a day dedicated toward making the impossible possible; a day developed by kids, for kids and about kids living with Tourette Syndrome; a day to celebrate them as heroes and support them in their efforts to become shining examples of success among their peers.

How can you help? Help a child form a team (or form one yourself!), raise donations and walk with friends and family on November 23! These kids are heroes, so join with us to make them feel special by being a part of a community that cares. Here's how you can do that right now:  

SHARE NJ WALKS FOR TS AT MENDHAM WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

HELP A CHILD FORM A TEAM & SIGN YOURSELF UP TO WALK!