Local Students Walk to Support Teens Living with Tourette

SOMERVILLE (April 23, 2018) – Two local teenagers are stepping up for fellow teens who are living with Tourette Syndrome by participating in the NJ Walks for TS, taking place throughout New Jersey in April.

Hallie Hoffman, 18, is a senior at Princeton Day School and Charles Griebell, 18, is a senior at Princeton High School. As elementary school students, both Hallie and Charles were diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) – a neurological disorder characterized by vocal sounds and motor movements known as tics. Now Youth Advocates for NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS), they present in schools, community groups, and hospitals throughout state about TS, promoting understanding and tolerance.

Another role both teens have taken on is that of Youth Committee Member for the NJ Walks for TS Virtual Walk. They have set up teams, are soliciting donations and pulling together family and friends to join them on their own walk. Teens across the state are doing the same with the goal to spread awareness about TS and the 1 in 100 children and adults that live with the often misunderstood disorder.

Proceeds from the walk benefit important NJCTS programs including the education outreach program in which Hallie and Charles participate. Support Team Charles at www.njcts.org/teamcharles or Team Hallie at www.njcts.org/teamhallie.

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Photo caption: Hallie Hoffman and Charles Grieball visit a local school to present about Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. The advocates are often invited by parents who have a child who has been recently diagnosed. Learn more about the NCJTS Education Outreach Program at www.njcts.org.