2023 Awards and Scholarship Luncheon

NJCTS awarded college scholarships and celebrated our top professionals, walk teams, Youth Advocate of the Year, and Faith W. Rice Legacy Award Winner at a special luncheon at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Bridgewater, NJ on Friday, June 2.

First Place Scholarship

Caitlin Fritz

Caroline Nieto

Parker Swift

Second Place Scholarship

Francesco Coffaro

Madelyn Golden

Joshua Hinman

Van Nostrand

Kyle Swords

Fatima Villagran

Honorable Mentions:

Cesar Arana; Delaney Eskow; Ethan Bassett; Jack Rochind; Jaiden Mendez; Jason Frolich; Mollie Mars

Youth Advocate of the Year

Kyle Swords

Faith Rice Memorial Scholarship

Tess Kowalski

Educator of the Year

Jennifer Wishnick

Cheryl Ludwig Presented with Legacy Award

NJCTS created the Faith W. Rice Legacy Award to honor someone who has gone above and beyond in education, advocacy or research. Someone who has enriched the lives of those in the Tourette Syndrome community while bringing an awareness of TS to a wider circle of educators and healthcare providers. The 2023 award was presented to Cheryl Ludwig.

LEARN MORE

New Videos Highlight NJCTS Families

You can find all four videos on

our YouTube channel.

Grey Sky Films has produced a new series of videos to promote the impact NJCTS has had on families. Three families – the Straley’s, the Ordonez-Coronado’s, and the Delaney’s – sat down with us to discuss their journey with Tourette Syndrome and how they found NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome.

From the family retreat and other special events to school presentations and advocacy training, NJCTS brings the TS community together and helps them navigate their social, educational, and medical challenges. As young Armani says, NJCTS is his “safe place.”

NJCTS is participating in the myWalgreens donation program! You can donate your myWalgreens cash rewards to NJCTS thru August 31! (If NJCTS does not show up in your "featured charities," change your location to Trenton, NJ.)

Youth Advocate Receives TS Awareness Resolution at Newark Event

Youth Advocate Sarah Freeman shared her Tourette Syndrome journey during a very special TS awareness event at University Hospital in Newark. During the event, City Council President LaMonica McIver officially designated the day for Tourette Syndrome Awareness in the city of Newark. A special thank you to University Hospital's Board Chair (and Sarah's amazing mom) Tanya Freeman for making this all possible!

July Online Programs & Support Groups

NJCTS is planning exciting programming throughout the month for teens, adults and families.

Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Strength: A Support Group for Parents of Children with Tourette

July 12 at 8 p.m.

The monthly NJCTS support group is an avenue for parents who are new to a tic disorder diagnosis to seek support and guidance from parents who have more experience, as well as an opportunity for parents with more familiarity in coping with a diagnosis to also learn and seek guidance.

Community Connections for Young Adults With TS

July 17 at 7 p.m.

Calling all adults with TS, age 18-35. Join us as we come together to build our community and connect with others navigating both the TS journey and adulthood. Here you can comfortably discuss your experiences, share advice, and build relationships with those who understand your unique challenges.

TOURETTE TALK: Are IEPs and 504s on Your Back to School List?

July 20 at 7 p.m.

Presented by Special Education Attorney Staci Greenwald, Esq.

Are you ready for September? Get a head start on the new school year by equipping yourself with the best tools to advocate for your child! Understanding the significance of IEPs and 504s can be critical in setting them up for success.

You're Invited!

For those in the Tourette Syndrome/Tic Disorder community, ages 18+ please join us Saturday, July 15 at the Village Brewing Co. in Somerville for a night of fun & food! There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres for all attendees, and attendees can purchase their own drinks if they desire. Festivities begin at 4 p.m.

RSVP NOW

Walk Teams Surpass Fundraising Goal

Thanks to our amazing teams and sponsors we surpassed our goal with more than $53,000 raised. Our teams were led by youth advocates and families from all across New Jersey. We cannot be more thankful for your support of NJCTS' mission.

ON THE TEEN BLOG: My Journey

"Unfortunately, as I got older, my Tourette’s grew worse, and I started to feel alienated from all my peers. I felt like my friends didn’t want to spend time with me. Was it something I did? Had I changed?"

In the News:

Mantua creates proclamation recognizing Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month

Matawan Regional Teacher Helps Teen With Tourette Syndrome

NEXT MONTH:

Don't miss our Camp FantasTIC recap and photos!

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We earned a 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency! Learn more about our organization’s impact through our #NonprofitProfile on Candid.org

NJCTS | www.njcts.org