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Community Corner

New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014

The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS), the nation's first Center of Excellence dedicated toward helping individuals and families affected by the often devastating neurological disorder, is proud to announce that it is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014.

Since 2004, the Somerville-based NJCTS has led the nation in providing a plethora of programs and services to families in every corner of New Jersey, outreach to the education and medical communities, and support for collaborative research into better treatments and a cure for Tourette Syndrome, which is characterized by involuntary sounds and movements known as tics and affects 1 in 100 children and adults.

Through its myriad collaborations and partnerships, NJCTS has developed efficient one-of-a kind programs on behalf of the TS community regionally and worldwide.  It has established the world's first Cell & DNA Sharing Repository at Rutgers University, worked with New Jersey Congressmen to help draft and introduce the first federal legislation for Tourette Syndrome, founded the TS Clinic and doctoral training program at Rutgers, and pioneered the Patient-Centered Medical Education program for resident physicians at more than a dozen hospitals in New Jersey and beyond.

Students, educators and parents have benefited from the School In-Service Program. Families have found camaraderie and fostered awareness at the annual Family Retreat Weekend at YMCA Camp Bernie and at NJ Walks for TS programs at Mendham, Ramapo College and Princeton. And tens of thousands of people from all over the world have participated in the NJCTS Wednesday Webinar initiative.

In addition to receiving support from New Jersey’s families, legislators, medical and education professionals, and others, NJCTS has benefited from powerful backing by United States Soccer Men’s National Team Goalkeeper and noted TS advocate Tim Howard and popular WFAN Sports Radio talk-show host Craig Carton. Howard serves on NJCTS’ Board of Directors, while Carton is an Honorary Board Member.

Throughout 2014, NJCTS will be celebrating these achievements with multiple noteworthy events, including the NJ Walks for TS at Princeton on April 6, the 10th Anniversary Gala Celebration at Rutgers on May 22, the 10th annual Family Retreat Weekend at YMCA Camp Bernie from June 6-8, and the 5th annual NJ Walks for TS at Mendham in November.

“As a mother of a son with Tourette Syndrome, it has always been my desire to see New Jersey’s kids, parents and families receive the kind of support they need to combat this inherited, misdiagnosed and misunderstood neurological condition,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice said. “Since establishing the Center in 2004, we have not only provided myriad programs and services to support the many needs of New Jersey’s large, vibrant TS community, we have also provided hope for a better future for these kids – hope that someday, there will be a cure.”

More information about the Center is available by calling 908-575-7350 or by visiting www.njcts.org.

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