TOURETTE SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH IS
MAY 15 THROUGH
JUNE 15
Bayside, New York – May
15, 2008 – From May
15 to June 15, the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA)—the only national,
voluntary health organization for people with Tourette Syndrome (TS)—joins the
hundreds of thousands of families affected by TS to help raise awareness of this
baffling disorder during National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.
In 2005 Congress introduced
a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 430 and S. Con. Res 113)), which “recognizes
the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment and enhanced public
awareness of TS and supporting the goals and ideals of a National Tourette
Syndrome Awareness Month.”
“Although media coverage has led
thousands of children and adults to proper diagnosis of the condition,” said
Judit Ungar, President, TSA, “many more are troubled by symptoms which remain
undiagnosed.” The aim of TS Awareness
Month, she added, is to encourage such people to seek medical attention.
Marked by involuntary body twitching and vocal tics, it is estimated
that some 200,000 Americans have the disorder, with millions more manifesting
associated conditions. National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, which was first established by TSA in 1997,
provides an opportunity for the TSA, its chapters and others in the TS
community to educate the public about this much misunderstood and misdiagnosed
condition.
Throughout the
month, local TSA chapters across the country will work to raise awareness,
increase education and reduce stigma associated with TS. One such event is
Government Relations Awareness Week from May 26 to June 2. During this week,
TSA chapters and families hold district meetings with elected officials and community
leaders to raise local, state and federal elected officials' awareness of issues impacting
families living with Tourette Syndrome.
Founded in 1972, the TSA celebrates 36 years
of service to the Tourette Syndrome community worldwide and has a three-pronged
mission of education, research and service. TSA has 31 chapters, two district
offices and more than 125 support groups throughout the country. For more
information on TS, call 1-888-4-TOURET or visit http://tsa-usa.org.
In
2004, Congress introduced a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 430 and S. Con.
Res 113), which recognizes the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment
and enhanced public awareness of TS and supporting the goals and ideals of a
National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. Since then, national TSA
and the TSA chapters and support groups join together each year for an
Awareness Campaign from May 15 to June 15. The Awareness Campaign serves
to educate the general public about TS at both the grassroots level and the
national level through various activities. Special events, media campaigns,
grass root fundraisers and information booths are all part of the
campaign. There are a few of the many ways you can participate in increasing awareness
in your area during this month.:
- Talk to your friends and family about TS.
- Speak about TS at a local school, PTA meeting,
police or fire department, Chamber of Commerce, a service organization or
a religious organization.
- Meet with your local government officials to
explain TS and why it is important they support important legislative
positions.
- Have an information exchange night in your area. Please contact us to see how.
- Contact a local newspaper to see if they will
run an article or public service announcement about TS.
- Organize a local fundraiser such as a garage
sale, car wash, or ask a local restaurant to consider donating a portion of their earnings to the chapter. If you are interested in helping your chapter raise awareness about TS, please contact us at (248) 641-TSA-5 or e-mail us at tsamichigan@comcast.net
