2014 Tourette Syndrome fundraising kicks off in earnest

The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) kicked off its 2014 fundraising campaign with a bang on January 10, receiving a check for $2,000 from the Miskell family, of Nutley, as part of their efforts stemming from the NJ Walks for TS at Mendham campaign.

The Miskells raised more than $5,300 throughout 2013 to benefit NJ Walks for TS at Mendham on behalf of "Team E", named after their daughter, Erin, who has Tourette Syndrome -- an inherited, misdiagnosed, misunderstood neurological disorder characterized by tics that affects 1 in 100 children.

The recently donated $2,000 check from Team E will go toward the 2014 campaign. NJ Walks for TS at Mendham -- which will take place in November -- supports the NJCTS School In-Service Program, which educates students and teachers at schools in every corner of New Jersey about Tourette Syndrome, anti-bullying initiatives and self-advocacy.

Accepting the check on behalf of NJCTS were Education Outreach Coordinator Melissa Fowler and Family Outreach Coordinator Leanne Loewenthal.

Those wishing to support the NJ Walks for TS initiative won't have to wait until November to do so, however. On April 6 at Mercer County Park, NJCTS will host NJ Walks for TS at Princeton, which will benefit the organization's Children's Scholarship Program. Each year, NJCTS awards scholarships to graduating New Jersey high school seniors affected by Tourette Syndrome.

For more information about Tourette Syndrome, NJ Walks for TS, the School In-Service Program or the Children's Scholarship Program, please call 908-575-7350 or visit www.njcts.org.