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NJCTS Youth Advocate Spreads Tourette Syndrome Awareness
During TS Awareness month, Youth Advocate Ben Mars spreads TS awareness
May 15 - June 15 is Tourette Syndrome Awareness month nationwide. Many of those with Tourette Syndrome (TS) use this month as an opportunity to open a discussion about their disorder and educate about the commonly misunderstood neurological disorder. One of those advocates is Ben Mars, 15, of Teaneck.
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements known as tics. As many as 1 in 100 people show signs of TS or other tic disorder which is frequently accompanied by mental health disorders including ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.
During the last few months, Ben has been busy advocating for TS. First, he requested a proclamation from his hometown mayor, Mohammed Hameeduddin in Teaneck, declaring June 4th as TS Awareness Day. He met virtually during Teaneck’s city council meeting to accept the proclamation. Second, Ben is an active participant of the NJ Walks for TS virtual walk program. NJ Walks for TS encourages all participants to rally around kids, families, and adults with TS and form teams to walk and fundraise in support of a future with more treatments and less stigma. Since Covid 19 set strict restrictions on the type of in-person events Walk captains could host, Ben conducted his own fundraising ‘event’ and created a Tourette Syndrome awareness walk with his family! They hiked on Saturday, June 6 at the Teaneck Creek Conservancy for approximately 2.5 miles. Way to go Ben!
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The NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, the nation’s first Center for Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about this disorder through programs and affiliations with public schools, health centers, and universities. Visit www.njcts.org for more information.
