The 2008 National Conference was six days packed with Chapter Leadership Training and Youth Ambassador Leadership Training, April 2-3, Trip to the Hill and the Newly Diagnosed Seminar on April 3rd, and the General Conference Sessions April 4-6.  It was a whirlwind - especially for TSA Field Services newcomers Dan Rostan and Jill Zarensky!
 
Chapter Leadership Training and Youth Ambassador Leadership Training - a first-ever leadership program for the Youth Ambassadors - kicked off in the evening of Tuesday, April 1st with an informal Meet & Greet, which allowed everyone an opportunity to ease into the busy Training days by seeing old friends and meeting the new attendees.
 
The Leadership Training agenda was developed by a small group of Chapter Leaders, along with Field Services.  Over the course of several months, the group brainstormed ideas on what the priority topics would be that would benefit all attendees.  Sessions on Membership & Volunteer Development, the New In-Service Training roll-out, Service Models, and Strategic Planning: Board Development and Successorship Planning were presented by our chapter leader peers, as well as by one outside speaker, Katherine Morrison of Morrison Nonprofit Transitions.  Thank you to our agenda development group: Todd Henry (WA/OR), Sandra Hollis (NM, and Chair of the Chapter Services Committee), Sue Jacob (Greater DC), Tricia Kardon (GA), Linda Saunders (Mid-South Region), and Cindy Schuette (Northern CA) for their time and dedication that went into the planning.
 
We had over 110 people attend Trip to the Hill, with over 100 appointments made with House and Senate members and staff.  Elridge Proctor and John Yi, of TSA's Public Policy Department, gave a presentation the night before Hill Day to prepare attendees for what to expect, and how to best present themselves and the issues important to people with TS, as well as the legislative issues that TSA supports.
 
We had a turnout of 50 people for Dr. John Walkup's Newly Diagnosed Seminar.  This is such an important element of the Conference and is invaluable to anyone new to the TS experience.
 
The General Sessions conference was a big success, with over 400 attendees, speakers and TSA staff in attendance.  We had six tracks for attendees to choose from: Medical & Behavioral, Education Advocacy, Adult, Young Adult, Teens, and Special Topics.  New this year was the Teen track program, which included sessions such as TS in the Media, Navigating the Teen Years, Self-Advocacy & Self-Esteem, and Art (where they were instructed in sketching and painting).
 
About 40 children ages 7-13 participated in the Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization's (TSCO) youth camp.  This was a separate program run by TSCO, and included activities such as going to a 4-H Center in Marlboro, MD, and a tour of Washington, DC.
 
The Awards Banquet brought everyone together as we celebrated the achievements of our outstanding educators, and youth and adult volunteers.  After dinner, guests were treated to a musical performance by TSA Board Members Paul Devore on sax and Michael Wolff on piano, accompanied by Matt Giordano on drums.  This was followed by perennial favorite, Rick Fowler, who played guitar.
 
The Conference ended Sunday morning with a continental breakfast and a Medical Panel Q&A.  Attendees could ask questions of Dr. Walkup, Dr. Cathy Budman, Dr. Don Gilbert, and Dr. Katie Kompoliti, all members of TSA's Medical Advisory Board.  This was a great addition, and a perfect ending to a long and active Conference weekend.
 
Additional special activities over the course of the Conference included the Chris Melbye International Meet & Greet with DJ and Karaoke; a drum circle lead by Matt Giordano; an advanced screening of the movie Phoebe in Wonderland; a tour of Washington, DC lead by local historian Anthony Pitch; a variety of exhibitors; the TSA Artist's Table; and book signings by Brad Cohen, Louis Centanni, and Elaine Fantle Shimberg.
 
This Conference could not have worked without the support and dedication of our many speakers, volunteers, and TSA staff!

 

 

This April, TSA proudly conducted the first ever Youth Ambassador Leadership Training.  While there are many teens/pre-teens across the country who are educating their classmates and community groups about TS, this is the beginning of a more structured program created by Jen and Jane Zwilling to help instill leadership and program growth for Youth Ambassadors.
 
As part of the 2008 National Conference pre-conference activities, TSA kicked off this exciting new program with a two-day Leadership Training for teens and their parent/adult guardian, April 2-3, 2008 in Alexandria, VA.  To be considered for this training program, interested teens needed to submit applications to their local Chapter or Region.  The Chapter/Region then submitted their recommended candidate to the National TSA for final selection.
 
We were very fortunate to have 18 motivated and enthusiastic teens along with their parent/adult guardian join us for this training program, which was generously funded by Diane and Darryl Mallah in memory of her mother, Eleanor Wachter. 
 
The agenda included:

Beyond the agenda, which was well planned and presented by Jen and Jane, the April program was a great opportunity for these exceptional teens to come together, bond with each other, and return home with a level of enthusiasm that will be tough to rival.
 
Since April, Jen and Jane have created a group e-mail list where they share with all the Youth Ambassador Leaders program information, updates, and news articles from the YA Leaders around the country.  This is done to continue the sense of family that the April training began, applaud those who are making great strides to fulfill their responsibilities of being a Youth Ambassador, as well as share ideas for programs, fundraising, and possible news stories with the rest of the group.
 
The Youth Ambassador Leaders were not only trained to make presentations, but they also learned how to train others to be Youth Ambassadors.  In partnership with their local Chapter/Region, Youth Ambassadors are encouraged to make presentations, contact local media, and raise funds to help create awareness and educate their community about Tourette Syndrome.
 
Since April, our busy Youth Ambassador Leaders have been quite active!  Here's just some of what they've done in the months since.  We are proud of all of our young Leaders and all that they have accomplished!
 
May:
Brian Wedeking made two presentations in one morning, and did another one the very next day. He is also selling the Inspire wristbands.
 
Jen and Eric Zwilling and another Long Island Youth Ambassador, Dara did 5 presentations.
 
David Firenze and his father Jim participated in the NYC Five-Borough Bike Tour as part of Team TSA.  Though their fundraising goal was $2,000, they ended up raising over $3,400.
 
Hunter Lindberg made 5 TSA Youth Ambassador presentations at his middle school. He educated a total of 204 7th and 8th grade students.  Following the presentations, 5 students expressed interest in the youth ambassador program. In addition, 2 of our YAs in training helped with Hunter's presentations.
 
Holly Hitchcock did a presentation to the TSA's AZ Chapter's Board about the Youth Ambassador training.  Holly also presented to 90 students at the College of Pharmacy, at the University of Arizona. 

Christopher Hall did presentations for the 2nd graders in Fairport and for a BOCES class.  His presentation at BOCES was filmed by channel 13 for their BRIGHT SPOT to be shown on the local news featuring "Rochester's Youth Ambassador and Tourette Syndrome Awareness.  Christopher and his mother Judy also met with Congresswoman Louise Slaughter at her local office.
 
June:
Leanne Fischler set up a TS information booth at the College of DuPage, in Illinois
 
Ayla Meserve and her mother Shari did a fundraiser with Wendy's. Wendy's donated a certain percentage of the day's net profit to TSA and also posted information about TSA in the store.

Jen Zwilling and Lee Gochman participated in TSA Awareness month when a Long Island Starbucks joined with Long Island-TSA and held a fund-raiser at the store. They provided a Carnival -like atmosphere for kids and raffle prizes.  Jen and Lee, along with Eric and Amanda Zwilling and several Long Island TSA Buddies volunteered at the event, manned an info table, sold Inspire bracelets and collected donations.  All LI-TSA volunteers received free drinks and all children that came to Starbucks received free drinks. Free cookies and all Starbucks pastries were provided free throughout the 3 hour Carnival.  Everyone that has a Starbucks close by should check this out...the event was run through a Corporate program called "Make Your Mark". 
  
July:
Holly Hitchcock began training a 17 year old girl named Kelsey, who lives in Showlow, AZ. (located just outside of Flagstaff, AZ.) Once Kelsey is trained, the chapter will then have a TSA Youth Ambassador located in or near all of the state's three major cities. Earlier in the month, Holly trained Ben Kitnick from Phoenix. As a result they met with and talked to his mom and now she is interested in opening and becoming the Phoenix area TS Support Chapter President. (Phoenix currently has no TS support chapter so this was an unexpected benefit).
 
When Brian Woodbridge came to AZ on vacation, he also met with Holly.  Holly and Brian used the opportunity to do a "tag team" YA presentation for several friends at the Hitchcock's home, including 1 high school teacher, 1 Special Ed elementary teacher, 1 school lunch room attendant, a minister who's involved in an outreach to teens whose parents are in prison, 2 engineers, and 2 adopted teens from Korea.  It was a varied group but Brian and Holly made excellent use of the opportunity.  It was wonderful that Brian and Holly could foster their friendship while at the same time use their time together to enlighten others about TS!
 
Colin Shoff did a benefit performance in his home town and raised funds and awareness for Ohio's YA Program. He is working with his local chapter and will be training more YAs in the Fall!
 
In Illinois, Ayla Meserve spoke to a group of 15 police officers, EMT's and firefighters. On another occasion, Alya also spoke to 150 YMCA campers about Tourette. Ayla and Leanne Fischler went to the Golf fund raiser in Schaumburg and held a fundraiser at Wendy's the week of August 1st. 
 
Jen and Jane Zwilling addressed over 100 Speech and Language therapists at the Long Island Speech and Language Association Continuing Education Conference.  They, along with another Long Island Youth Ambassador, Michelle and her dad, at a Rotary Meeting on the East End of Long Island to raise awareness and to enlist the support of the club members and their businesses there.
 
Hunter Lindberg presented a short program on TS at the Resurrection Lutheran Church.
 
August:
Hunter Lindberg presented an abbreviated YA program to 500 Hamilton County school teachers. The teachers were special ed, speech and vision, and psychologists. The Department Chair of Special Ed from Hunter's high school asked him to speak to her classes regarding self-advocacy!
 
Jasper Bledsoe and his mother Wendy organized a TSA fundraising tennis tournament.  They raised about $500.00 after expenses.  It was a good day, very hot but everyone was interested in doing it again next year, maybe during a cooler month.
 
 
Youth Ambassador Leaders in the News:
 
David Firenze: A Voice for Tourette's:  Clay teen named ambassador for national association
The Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, May 9, 2008
 
Kevin Kardon:  Teen teaches about Tourette syndrome
Athens Banner Herald, Athens, GA, May 12, 2008
 
Holly Hitchcock:  Meet three outstanding young folks.  They've pushed past obstacles
Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona, May 25, 2008
 
Christopher Hall:  Empathy 101: What having a disability is really like
MPNnow.com - Rochester, NY, June 6, 2008
 
Ayla Meserve:  Student becomes teacher of tourette syndrome
Libertyville Review, Waukegan, IL, July 31, 2008
 
 

As we click on the "send" button - launching a second issue of Field Views - a number of Field Services initiatives are in full swing. First, having caught our breath from the 2008 National Conference, we're now wrapping up, reviewing, and evaluating things, even as we begin to plan our 2009 Leadership Training Conference and the next major Conference in 2010.
 
An important ongoing project is the reviewing and filing of new by-laws and articles of incorporation for every TSA chapter.  This will provide greater clarity about the relationship between the TSA and affiliated chapters. Incorporation will also increase the legal protection the Boards of currently unincorporated chapters have against personal involvement in litigation.  This process has taken somewhat longer than first hoped, but time spent getting things "right" and assuring everyone's "buy-in" will serve us all well in coming years.  We hope to have a complete set of documents for review sent to each chapter chair no later than the fall.
 
Related to the articles of incorporation is our interest in performing a review of the full array of TSA policies and of the documents that define the relationships between and among TSA and its affiliates, such as chapter agreements. We also look forward to reformulating and streamlining chapter and support group manuals.  We invite chapter leaders to play key roles in this effort. Who, other than you, knows how best to create a support group or start a chapter? ...to reach out for new volunteers, additional members, or inspire leaders? ...to develop awareness, connect with school systems, lawmakers, and the press?  The Field Services Committee is in the process of forming a subcommittee to work on this (mainly via conference calls).
 
We are also using conference calls as a way of getting chapter leaders to "meet" between conferences, discussing a wide range of issues including how to make "online" discussion groups feasible, helpful and safe, from a legal standpoint; new ways chapters can serve constituents; and how TSA conferences can take place nationally and/or regionally, outside of the "usual" locations and venues.  We have already conducted two chapter-wide conference calls that were very well received: an introductory one covering a variety of topics including Leadership Training and the National Conference, Education Advocacy, quarterly reports, and manuals and materials; and a second one addressing solely articles of incorporation.  We hope to get our next call planned soon.  All chapter leaders are encouraged to participate in these calls.
 
In this issue of Field Views, we hear from innovators - first, from some leaders who have worked to establish or maintain support groups when no chapter was available to serve as "host." The result is a new mechanism whereby the TSA serves - at least for the time being - as that host.  We also spotlight our innovative Indiana Chapter, with a first-person viewpoint of its Chairperson.  The Indiana Chapter's "environment," such as demographics, membership, chapter treasury, and public relations are neither particularly favorable nor forbidding, but as you will see, mid-western persistence and old-fashioned hard work are paying off nicely.
 
You will receive this just a couple of after my first anniversary with TSA. My first year has been exciting, full of opportunity for growing and learning, and not without surprises (the vast majority nice).  TSA is a fun place to work.  Collectively, you the volunteers, make TSA what it is: an organization inspired by, supported by, energized by, and dedicated to "regular" people who find themselves drawn together by a common challenge. 

 

Dan Rostan
Vice President, Field Services
 

 
Or alternatively you can access the survey from TSA's homepage.
 
Be assured that this survey is entirely anonymous and all responses are strictly confidential.  It is estimated that on average completion of this survey should take about an hour.  Responders need to plan to complete the survey in one sitting.  While the current survey is for adults, a similar study designed to assess the impact of having TS on the lives of children is in the final stages of preparation. In this case, parents of children with TS will be asked to respond.  Once available on the Internet, chapter leaders will be advised that it is active and we will be asking you once again to cooperate by notifying families with children of this opportunity.
 
Please advertise this survey among all your members and do encourage them to participate.  The more information we have about our members, the better able we are to  serve all who turn to us for help.
 
Sue Levi-Pearl, VP
TSA Medical & Scientific Programs
 

 

Tourette Syndrome: What Families Should Know by Elaine Fantle Shimberg is just off the presses and was given out to everyone who attended the TSA 2008 National Conference.  The book has just been added to our publications catalog, and can be identified as item #C-300V.
 
The book was inspired by Judit, who requested a book that would address what families wanted to know about TS.  Elaine is not only a lifetime member of TSA, she is also a medical writer.  More importantly, she also has Tourette Syndrome, as do three of her five children.
 
If you're looking to update your lending library, or provide the books at your own events, you can purchase them online.  If you order more than 12 copies, the price is $4.99 each; 12 and fewer cost $6.99 each.
 
Also of note is A Guide to TS Medications by John Walkup, MD has been completely revised.  This is item #M-313 in the catalog.  A Guide tots Medications keeps families and medical professionals informed about the complexities of prescribing medications for people with TS.  Covered are the most commonly prescribed medications for tic management, obsessive traits and attentional difficulties.  Dosage guidelines and common side effects of the medications are discussed.
 
To view these and all the other items that are available through TSA Publications, go to the TSA Publications & Video page of the TSA Web site.

 

 

 

Pictured Above:
Jill and Trent selected their own event and  participated in the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic on Feb. 9, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. Jill ran the 15K for her son. Trent jumped in and ran the last two miles beside her and they crossed the finish line together. Trent's Team raised $10,300!

On May 4, 2008, TEAM TSA participated in the New York Bike Tour. Members rode 42 miles through the five boroughs of New York City. The event took them over bridges and through historic neighborhoods. The team raised more than $13,000!

 
Walt Disney Fun For The Entire Family
Chapters across the country can benefit from the Walt Disney World Marathon by encouraging your members to get involved and designate your chapter when they register for the TEAM TSA event. Your chapter will receive 20 percent of what that person raises just for designating you.
 
The Disney event offers a great opportunity for families to come together. The kids enjoy meeting other children, who understand what it is like to have TS, and the parents get a chance to share stories and experiences.
 
The event, scheduled for January 8-11, 2009, offers a 5K Family Fun Walk/Run. This year's family event winds through the Animal Kingdom, allowing families to stop and view exotic wildlife. The marathon also offers Kid's Races which provide a great opportunity for young people to participate with their peers. For more experienced runners there is a Half Marathon and a Full Marathon  and for really advanced runners there is the Goofy Challenge, which involves running both of events. This highly sought after marathon closes early, but TEAM TSA has charity slots that allow people to register until the end of October 2008! TSA also offers optional Travel Packages offering three nights hotel and airfare for those who reach certain fundraising guidelines. Discounted hotel rates and theme park tickets are also available to team members. TSA hosts a dessert party under the stars of Epcot, with a private viewing area of the fireworks display. Encourage people to join the team today and help us get One Lap Closer To A Cure!
 
Members select their own event
Is there an event in your area that people would like to participate in? If the TEAM TSA calendar does not offer something in your area, runners and walkers can find an event on their own and create a page on individual team site by clicking on Become A Fundraiser.  To create a page they visit: http://www.active.com/donate/teamtsa
 
If a TEAM TSA member in your area picks their own event and designates your chapter, you can receive 20 percent of what they raise just because they designate you. Sometime single individuals and/or families receive substantial donations.  
 
 
Do you want your chapter to get involved and participate in a marathon in your area?
TEAM TSA is always looking at new marathons across the country. If your chapter got involved it could receive 30 percent of what each runner, who designates your chapter, raises. For more information contact Michelle Staley at michelle.staley@tsa-usa.org or by calling 718-224-2999 Ext. 256.
 
 
TEAM TSA CALENDAR
TEAM TSA Events
Events may include full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K Walk, Kids Races & Bike Tours
 
 
Aug. 31, 2008         New Mexico Marathon In Memory of Zachary Hollis (Albuquerque)
 
Sept. 21, 2008        Philadelphia Distance Classic
 
Oct. 12, 2008          Long Beach (CA) Marathon
                              Westchester Marathon (White Plains, NY)
 
Oct. 18, 2008          Indianapolis (IN) Marathon
 
Oct. 25-26, 2008      Marine Corps. Marathon (Washington, D.C.)
 
Nov. 2, 2008           New York City Marathon
 
Nov. 16, 200           San Antonio Marathon
 
Dec. 14, 2008          Honolulu Marathon
 
Jan. 9-11, 2009       Walt Disney World Marathon (Orlando, FL)
 
Jan. 18, 2009          Chevron Houston Marathon
 
Jan. 25, 2009          ING Miami (FL) Marathon
 
Feb. 1, 2009           New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
 
Feb. 12-15, 2009     Myrtle Beach Marathon (Myrtle Beach, SC)
 
March 21-22, 2009  Shamrock Marathon (Virginia Beach)
 
March 29, 2009       ING Georgia Marathon
 
April 26, 2008         Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
 
May 3, 2009            Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
 
May 5, 2009            Five Boro New York City Bike Tour
 
May 17, 2009          Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon 
 
 

 

An area of priority for the Tourette Syndrome Association is to educate professionals who provide services to students with TS.  Educating school staff is necessary in order for teachers to recognize and understand the complexities of symptoms so that they can then implement the most effective methods of teaching students with TS.  With that in mind, TSA strongly encourages presenting information to educators in a manner that will assist them in providing a safe and effective educational environment. 

 
We receive many inquiries from parents asking whether the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) addresses 'in-servicing educators' who provide services for children with TS. 

 
IDEA, unfortunately, does not state that in-services or professional development are required or mandated.  However, parents can point out that IDEA underscores the importance and need for:

It is important to note that 'knowledge' of TS and related disorders is critical for teachers if they are to provide support that improves the 'academic and functional performance' of children with TS.   'Functional performance' refers to activities and skills that are not academic or related to a child's academic achievement as measured on achievement tests (social skills, sensory integration, impulsivity, etc.
 
The importance of professional development is also highlighted under IDEA provisions regarding State Personnel Development Grants.  Under this section IDEA states:

The following is taken from "A Guide to the Individualized Education Program" written by the US Dept. of Education.

Many schools continue to tell parents that due to teacher unions, they cannot REQUIRE that teachers stay after school or arrive early for training.  While this may be true, administrators can require that teachers attend trainings that are held during designated professional development days or during the school day.  Additionally, many schools have designated times for team meetings and/or specified planning periods at which time teachers can participate in trainings.
 
To assist with the important goal of educating school personnel, TSA is developing a new Education Power Point that is specifically targeted for parents of children with TS to provide an in-service for school personnel.  Additionally, TSA has a DVD titled "Teacher Looks at Tourette Syndrome", a video of Sue Conners presenting an in-service to a group of educators and can be used very effectively as a means to educate school personnel.
 
Hopefully, knowing how to work within the education system, we can continue to gain access to the educators who greatly impact the lives of kids with TS by providing them with the in-service program.
 

 

Great Plains TS Support Group
By Brian Moore
 
It all started with an idea to have a Tourette Syndrome Support Group in Omaha after not having anything in Nebraska for ten years. Something needed to be done. I went to the contact page on the TSA web site and sent a message asking what it would take to have a support group in Omaha. I was just curious. So a few months went by and I received a call from Dan Rostan. He explained that they have wanted to start something in Nebraska and was thrilled to have me. He kept in touch with me and sent some information on starting this group. As I read through it I started getting things ready to start a group while keeping Dan updated. At the time I decided to call the group Tourette Syndrome Support Group Omaha. I set up an email and web site for the group.
 
It took a lot of preparation and advertising, I sent letters to local doctors, advertised on community calendars, and online classified. I also talked to Dan and told him that I had a date set, so he had me send some text for a flyer, so I did. He sent out about 130 flyers around Nebraska and some of Iowa.
 
After the flyer was sent out I got some call and emails from people interested. As to be expected, not everyone came who said they would, but we had about nine people turn out. I was expecting more but that was good for a start. With steady work and determination, we have seen a lot happen in these six months. We have since changed our name to Great Plains Tourette Syndrome Support Group, and now Great Plains Tourette Syndrome Association Support Group, and we have a website and support line that offers information, as well as regularly scheduled monthly meetings.
 
 
Treasure Valley Support Group of Idaho
Stephanie M. Hoffman, PhD
 
My son was diagnosed with TS seven years ago age seven. The local TS Support Group was small, but they were very knowledgeable and supportive, which was exactly what I needed at the time and I quickly got involved. As time passed, the "senior" members of the group moved on to pursue other issues that their children were experiencing in hopes of bringing about necessary changes. This left a few of us to carry on the support group.
 
Our monthly educational meetings (with support/discussion meetings every now and then) were well attended at first, but then the numbers decreased. This prompted us to meet or have fun activities for our children just two to four times a year. After a while, even these events ceased due to a lack of attendance. Communication dwindled and we practically became non-existent.
 
A couple of years ago, June, my current support group Co-Chair and the mother of a daughter with TS, and I wanted to breathe life back into the support group, starting by updating our member list. We found many people no longer wanted to be on the list, mostly because their child was grown and they felt that they no longer needed the group. We have, however, gained a few more names as children have been newly diagnosed, as well as a few adults who have TS looking for other adults who have TS.
 
Despite advertising to doctors (neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, etc.) and to schools, efforts to get the group re-organized were not well attended. We have struggled with finding a place to meet that doesn't charge and is convenient to all.
 
We created a portable TS display showcasing successful people who have TS, which we placed in the public library for a month with free literature and books that could be checked out. This was very successful and we received a couple of phone calls as a result. Our biggest success has been in matching families with others families who have children of a similar age and live in the same general vicinity. This has also proven helpful with the adult population. It seems that people just want to know that they are not alone.
 
More recently, we wrote an article that was published in the Reader's View section of The Idaho Statesman. We also held a workshop in which an occupational therapist spoke about how occupational therapy and relaxation techniques can help people who have TS.
 
We are currently in need of Steering Committee members so that the Treasure Valley TS Support Group (serving western Idaho) can become an affiliated support group with the national TSA. Until this spring, we were a part of the Rocky Mountain Region Chapter of TSA, but the chapter has reorganized.
 
There are many challenges to being part of the TS Support Group, including lack of communication between support group leaders; lack of help amongst members; lack of community support; lack of understanding among professionals in the area; and finding the time and money to create awareness.
 
However, the rewards, such as giving back; helping others; educating families, schools, doctors, the public; getting to know others and learning from them; and receiving and giving hope, make the struggles worthwhile.
 

by Michele Lehman, Indiana Chapter Chair

 
The Indianapolis 500 and  Indiana's Top Ten Universities like IU and Purdue, exhibit the same excitement in making strides toward excellence as TSA Indiana.   Through education, investing in youth, and promoting awareness, TSA Indiana feels the adrenaline of hope.  Visit Indiana's newly revised website and you will discover "activity!"  The home page celebrates James Robinson, the recipient of this year's TSA National Educators Recognition Award! Education is vital, clarifying why Indiana hosted two Educators Workshops in 07' and currently offers inservices statewide.

Equally significant, is the education of doctors.  The TSA/CDC Medical Program was well received in Evansville in March of 08', including a family meeting the night before with Dr. Kompoliti.  The next TSA/CDC Medical Program will take place on August 27th, 2008 in South Bend.
 
Continuing down the homepage, are the names of Michael Leopold and Brian Woodbridge who are excited to have been chosen as Youth Ambassadors.  Since 1999 Indiana has hosted an Outdoor Youth Program (OYP) in the fall.  Currently being reorganized, this state realizes the importance of our youth and how valuable they can be to their communities and themselves if they learn to advocate. A TSA Indiana awareness program is in the planning where the Youth Ambassadors will join other members  to speak to different organizations to promote a better understanding of TS statewide. In addition to the OYP, TSA Indiana is excited to be planning their first Family Week-end Program scheduled for May of 2009.
 
Following your eyes to the left of the homepage, there are many links into this organizations workings. No doubt in August,  at TSA Indiana's annual planning meeting, there will be excitement about the addition of a new support group in Muncie,  opening it's doors on June 14.  Then a buzz about Jim Eisenreich coming to speak after having already hosted Brad Cohen successfully in 06'.  On the agenda, will certainly be the planning of fundraisers like the 2nd annual TEAM TSA and the hopes of establishing a Golf Outing in the near future. Fueled with enthusiasm and support, TSA Indiana's momentum is making a difference!