BENEFITING: Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.
EVENT DATE: Jan 05, 2012
DEADLINE TO GIVE: Dec 20, 2011
AMOUNT RAISED OFFLINE: $150.00
HERE'S THE STORY:

Jamison was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at 5 years old (symptoms starting as early as 3 but a full diagnosis is made only after both motor/phonic tics are presenton/off for a year) From that day forward, we have spent nearly every day finding ways to promote awareness and acceptance of Tourette Syndrome and those affected by it. 

In May 2010 we stumbled accross Crowdrise and never imagined the impact starting a project here would have.  We have been able to reach so many and more important, we have felt the love and acceptance and understanding right back.  Jamison is now in a comfortable place with his TS and will openly discuss it and is no longer ashamed or embaressed, uncomfortable at times, yes but proud of who he is.   I will continue to advocate for JJ and for others with Tourette Syndrome until he can advocate right along side me.  X0X0

Thanks to all who have supported and shared our goal, we are now hoping to run in the Walt Disney World 2012 Marathon with TEAM TSA.  All donations go directly to the TSA and our local chapter  has agreed to allow all donations through Crowdrise to go towards Sponsoring JJ and his run!  All offline donations received until the deadline will go towards travelling and accomodations.  Any donations after the 2012 walk will go to the Tourette Syndrome Association.  

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We may all know what Tourette Syndrome sounds like but What does Tourette Syndrome Look like?  Tourette Syndrome is a Neurological Disorder classified, but not limited to, motor and verbal "tics." There are NO clear physical signs of TS.  What tics today may be gone tomorrow, only to return next month. 

When JJ was just 4 years old we received the initial diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome. At the time, the only thing I knew about Tourette's was from what I have seen on TV and in the movies. Jamison had all the signs/symptoms: only living with TS is not as funny as they TRY to portray it.
Unfortunately, JJ suffers from Coprolalia and Echolalia, both which are present in very little % of people diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, but is Most misrepresented in Hollywood.
Since being diagnosed, I have made it a point to talk TS with anyone/everyone who will listen, and repeat it to those who won't. 

We have embraced TS in our life and have made many wonderful connections through the TSA.  To us, we know know other way of life, so we take each tic as it comes.  When the tics are not present, we don't wait for them to come back.  New tics come and old return, but we deal with it minute by minute.  We understand this may be a life long struggle, and JJ often wonders when/if it will stop but we try to make the best of it all.  Luckily, JJ is very able to communicate and educate about his TS and nearly every morning we read the poem "Welcome to Holland"  it is like the "serenity prayer" for those with special needs children
 

We found the platform of Crowdrise last year and thought it a perfect place to share information, spread the word, raise awareness and most of all bust all the myths about Tourette Syndrome.

We are very open about our life with TS and JJ has slowly become his own advocate!
There is no cure or definite cause for TS and it's symptoms come and go. The TSA has supported much research and education on and about the subject
for more information on the Tourette Syndrome Association visit www.tsa-usa-org
The TSA also recognizes and Thanks all of you AND crowdrise for your donations and support.

As a Thank You for your donations, send us your mailing info and we will send you a TSA "inspire" wristband.

www.tsa-usa.org