tourette syndrome association
of new jersey, inc.
198 West High Street • Somerville, New
Jersey 08876
Phone 908-575-7350 • Fax 908-575-8699
Web Site: www.tsanj.org • e-mail: NJTSA@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2004
Tourette Association Members Discuss State Budget & Group
Priorities
with Assembly Speaker Sires
SOMERVILLE , NJ - Members of the Tourette Association
of New Jersey (TSANJ) met with Assembly Speaker Albio
Sires (D-Hudson) at the State House in Trenton to
discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2005 state budget
that allocates $250,000 to continue the organization’s
community programs and services.
TSANJ members and Speaker Sires also discussed the
agency’s goals to raise awareness and educate
the public about the neurological disorder.
“We appreciate Speaker Sires’ commitment
to sustaining regional support groups for people
living with Tourette Syndrome and their families,
supporting awareness training programs for teachers,
and maintaining a hotline for the public to obtain
more information about the disorder,” said
Faith Rice, Executive Director.
“The proposed budget allocation will assist
in our efforts to continue and expand our programs.” Rice
said she looks forward to working with the Assembly
leader in addressing other issues, including the
establishment of a Center of Excellence for the treatment
of Tourette Syndrome .
“The support of legislative leaders like Speaker
Sires is important in furthering our efforts to raise
awareness of this disorder that affects the lives
of hundreds of thousands of Americans each day,” said
Rice.
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 TSANJ supports the needs of families with TS,
advocates for individuals with TS, and educates 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.
PRESS CONTACT: Rich Reitman 908-526-1390 or 908-400-6061
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