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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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
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