THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2004

Governor McGreevey Proclaims May 15, 2004 to June 15, 2004 as TS Awareness Month in NJ

SOMERVILLE, NJ - New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and the State Legislature have proclaimed May 15, 2004, through June 15, 2004, as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New Jersey. Through the cooperation of 16th District Assemblyman Kip Bateman, the proclamation was received by Faith Rice, President of the Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey (TSANJ).

The proclamation addresses the need to broaden public knowledge of this much misunderstood condition, referred to as ‘the world’s most common unknown disorder.’” It further describes the mission of TSANJ to support the needs of families dealing with TS, to advocate for individuals with TS, and to educate the public, the medical professionals and the educational communities.

“TSANJ continues to grow with the support of the State of New Jersey, the corporate sector, and the individuals and families who are impacted by the disorder,” stated Mrs. Rice. “We represent nearly 2,500 families in New Jersey, but it is estimated that more than 7,000 people in New Jersey have symptoms of TS. We have a lot of work ahead of us but we continue to make progress every day, helping to make the daily lives of children and adults with TS a little bit better.”

In celebration of TS Month, TSANJ has planned the third annual Gala on Thursday, May 27, 2004, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Tim Howard, former all-star goal keeper for the NY/NJ MetroStars, current goal keeper for Manchester United, and TSANJ Board Member, will be the guest speaker. Mr. Howard was diagnosed with TS when he was 11 years old.

The dinner will also honor the 2003/2004 Student Scholarship winner, recognizing a student with TS who has a proven record of accomplishment and achievement despite the disorder; and the 2003/2004 Educator of the Year award, presented annually to a New Jersey public or private school educator who has made a significant contribution to the education and well-being of a student with Tourette Syndrome.

Tickets for the event may be reserved by calling TSANJ at 908-575-7350.

BACKGROUNDER
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder that is manifested in involuntary physical and vocal tics. Symptoms generally appear before an individual is 18 years old. TS affects people of all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times more frequently than females. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have full blown TS and that as many as 1 in 200 show a partial expression of the disorder. There is no cure for TS.

The mission of TSANJ is to support the needs of families with TS, to advocate for individuals with TS, and to educate the public and professionals on TS. TSANJ has a membership of 2,500 families and medical professionals. The organization relies completely on its membership, corporations, government, and foundations to fund its mission.

Currently TSANJ operates 10 support groups at regional medical centers across New Jersey; conducts awareness training for teachers, school nurses, students and community leaders; manages a TS help line for disseminating information about TS to parents, teachers, doctors, and others; sponsors a state-wide Family Contact Program; and works with Rutgers University at the nation’s only student clinician TS clinic, developing support programs and treatments for families dealing with TS.

PRESS CONTACT: Rich Reitman 908-526-1390 or 908-400-6061
Faith Rice 908-575-7350