Spring 2010 Vol 4, Issue 1
  Bonne Nouvelle
Your "Good News" from TSA of Texas

TSA of TX:  Helping Children and Changing Lives 

     Tourette's syndrome is a neurobehavioral (brain-based) movement disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics.  Beginning in childhood, it causes those affected to make movements and noises they cannot control.  Additionally, many are plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional behavior and other disorders.  Although medication may help control the symptoms, as of yet there is no cure.  TSA of Texas, one of the largest chapters in the country, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  We directly assist Texas area families and children in crisis, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

New Support Groups:  North Houston and Lubbock

Our two newest support groups will host Sheryl Kadmon, Executive Director of TSA of Texas, at their initial meetings:

North Houston TS Support Group

Thursday, May 13, 2010
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Memorial Hermann
The Woodlands, 9250 Pinecroft
 
 

Lubbock TS Support Group

Sunday, August 8, 2010 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Covenant Neuroscience Center
Lubbock, 3610 22nd St. 

 

As with all of our support groups, there is no cost to attend and there is a concurrent children's group.  For more information, please email tourettetexas@aol.com.  If you want to be notified when a TS support group starts in your area, please send us your email address, name and closest large city. 

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In This Issue
New Support Groups in North Houston & Lubbock
TSA of Texas is on Facebook
Texas Support Groups
From the President
Save These Dates!
Understanding Dysgraphia
New Resources
What Is It Like to Live with TS?
Brain Imaging Research Studies
Are You a Motorcycle Enthusiast?
New Youth Ambassadors
January Gala Pictures
Author Melissa Binstock Speaks at 2010 Gala
Send in Ideas for 2011 Gala Theme
du Ballon Rouge Pictures
Tee-Off for Tourette Coming Soon
Morgan's Wonderland Opens in San Antonio
Thank You Supporters!
A TS Family Story
Special TS Story: Andrew Nesbitt
"Bonne Nouvelle"
Join our Mailing List!
Texas Hotlines
Houston:  281-238-8096
Toll Free:  866-894-8686
Emergency Pager: 800-209-0796
Quick Links
Texas Support Groups
TSA of Texas has support groups in AustinDallas, Fort Worth, East Texas/Golden Triangle, Gulf Coast, Katy, North Houston and San AntonioLearn More>>To start a support group in your area, please contact us toll free at 866-894-8686.   
From the Desk of the President
Daryl BristerSPRING!     
    
     It's hard not to love the spring time.  I look forward to this time every year.  And when the summer heat starts to hit, I lament the fact that spring didn't last longer.
     Every spring for eight years, Barbara and I have made the trip to Burton, Texas to deliver our two sons to the TSA of Texas children's camping weekend, du Ballon Rouge.  Our oldest son, Brenton, is now a camp counselor.  This was the last year for our youngest son, Ethan, to attend as a camper.  Ethan wants to now start his training to be a camp counselor.
    After dropping off our boys, Barbara and I headed out for a weekend in the hill country to relax (no TS boys for 2 whole days - pinch me, I think we're in heaven). Did I just say that out loud? Anyway, our plans were to visit the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill, play some golf (mainly for me) and just enjoy our time together. We really took in the spring weather and the spring sites. It was a great two days.
     On the way back to pick up our boys from camp, we reflected on the first time we made the drive up to this camp eight years ago.  We remembered spots along the roadside where we had stopped to take pictures of them in the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush.  It was an impossible time for us back them.  Our boys had complex tics and TS dominated our lives, uprooted us from our country home in Louisiana, and moved us here to Texas to be near Baylor Medical Center in some hope the doctors there could help our sons.  I asked Barbara if she ever imagined we'd be where we are today.  Back then, we both thought that, given the complexity of both boys' TS symptoms, they would be with us for a long time and likely not follow what is considered to be the "normal" path for young men.
    Fast forward eight years...we never could have imagined things would get so much better, BUT they have. We ALL know too well that life throws us curves and TS is only one of thousands of curves that get pitched our way. How short sighted of us to not expect things to get better. We had read all of the medical documents and statistics and knew that our kids would likely improve as they grew older.  But it's hard to know and see that when you're in the middle of struggling to help your child who is struggling with TS.
     That brings me back to SPRING... You know why I love spring so much?  New things!  That's right - each spring we get new leaves on the trees, our brown grass grows new green blades, plants start to pop up from the ground, and then for all of us blessed to live in the great state of Texas, those bluebonnets are everywhere.  They're so amazing that folks can't help but stop and take pictures of their kids and themselves sitting in the middle of all that color. What's the point?  Slow down, take in and enjoy the spring time.  It's really short and will be gone this year before we can blink.  Try to look down the road and expect that life will be a bit different and better for you and your child with TS.  Imagine eight years down your road and be encouraged. Your child is looking to you for direction and leadership, so help them to see the possibilities and not the road blocks.
    Brenton is currently working his way through getting his college degree. Ethan graduated from high school and now thinks he wants to try college. This from two boys with complex TS and two parents who used to struggle just to get them through each day. Remember - it's spring time - how can you not love it this time of year... NEW THINGS... NEW POSSIBILITIES. 
 
     TSA of Texas exists for the kids and families of Texas.  Let us know if we can be of assistance to you or your family.

                                             Until next time,

                                       Daryl

Save These Dates!
  • May 15 - June 15 - TS Awareness Month.  Contact TSA of Texas at tourettetexas@aol.com  for more information on TS or to schedule a speaker.
  • July/August - Summer Swim Parties throughout the state!  More information  will soon be posted on www.tourettetexas.org.
  • October 18 - 16th Annual Tee-Off for Tourette.  See article below for more information.SAVE THE DATE!
  • January 27, 2011 - TSA of Texas Annual Gala Fundraiser.  You won't want to miss out on a fabulous evening and a fun way to support TSA.  To make sure you receive your official invitation, please send your name and mailing address to tourettetexas@aol.com and reference "gala invitation" in the subject line. 

Understanding Dysgraphia

 
IDA logo    
 Many children with TS may also be diagnosed with dysgraphia.  The information below is taken from the "Understanding Dysgraphia" fact sheet published by the
International Dyslexia Association.
 
What is dysgraphia?
     Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects how easily children acquire written language and how well they use written language to express their thoughts.  Dysgraphia is a Greek word. The base word graph refers both to the hand's function in writing and to the letters formed by the hand. The prefix dys indicates that there is impairment. Graph refers to producing letter forms by hand. The suffix ia refers to having a condition. Thus, dysgraphia is the condition of impaired letter writing by hand, that is, disabled handwriting and sometimes spelling. Impaired handwriting can interfere with learning to spell words in writing. Occasionally, but not very often, children have just spelling problems and not handwriting or reading problems.
 
What causes dysgraphia? 
     Research to date has shown orthographic coding in working memory is related to handwriting. Orthographic coding refers to the ability to store unfamiliar written words in working memory while the letters in the word are analyzed during word learning or the ability to create permanent memory of written words linked to their pronunciation and meaning. Children with dysgraphia do not have primary developmental motor disorder, another cause of poor handwriting, but they may have difficulty planning sequential finger movements such as the touching of the thumb to successive fingers on the same hand.
 
Why is diagnosis of dysgraphia and related learning disabilities important? 
    Without diagnosis, children may not receive early intervention or specialized instruction in all the relevant skills that are interfering with their learning of written language. Considering that many schools do not have systematic instructional programs in handwriting and spelling, it is important to assess whether children need explicit, systematic instruction in handwriting and spelling in addition to word reading and decoding. Many schools offer accommodations in testing and teaching to students with dysgraphia, but these students also need ongoing, explicit instruction in handwriting, spelling, and composition. It is also important to determine if a child with dysgraphia may also have dyslexia and require special help with reading or OWL LD (SLI) and need special help with oral as well as written language.
 
     For more information, please see the entire fact sheet by clicking here.
 
New Resources Available on TSA Website
New TSA Education Audio Conferences  
  • Helpful Tips for IEP Meetings.  Click here.
  • IEPs and 504 Plans: Compare & Contrast.  Click here.
New Articles for Adults with TS 
Click here to read more.
  • Exercise, Sports and Tourette Syndrome - Potential Benefits Abound
  • Avoiding Medical and Alternative Health Scams - Avoid Becoming a Victim
  • Moving Out and Moving Up! - A Place of Your Own
Mental Health Parity Interim Final Rule  
Click here to understand how it affects you.
 
Children's Story  
Click here to read and print "The Wish" by Candida B. Korman. 

Patient Voices:  What Is It Like to Live With Tourette's Syndrome?

     The New York Times features first person accounts of the challenges patients face as they cope with various health issues.  Click here to hear seven men and women talk about living with the twitches of Tourette's syndrome.  
 
     The views and recommendations expressed by the speakers are not necessarily endorsed or promoted by the TSA of Texas or The Tourette Syndrome Association. The speaker's views are provided for your information only.

Brain Imaging Research Studies

logo     Researchers are currently conducting two brain imaging studies to learn more about the roles of two brain chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette's syndrome. People with OCD, people with Tourette's syndrome, people with OCD and Tourette's syndrome, and healthy people without OCD and without Tourette's syndrome, ages 18 to 70 years are needed to participate in this study performed at The Johns Hopkins University and supported by the National Institutes of Health.
     Participants will be asked to take part in 1) comprehensive physical, psychological, psychiatric, and neurological examinations, 2) positron emission tomography (PET)
scans and 3) a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.  Participants will receive compensation for participating in the study.
     To learn more contact Dr. James Brasic at 410-955-8354 or
 brasic@jhmi.edu, or Mr. Stephen Condouris at 410-955-8501 or scondou1@jhmi.edu.
 
Note: By contacting the investigators, you are in no way obligated to participate.
Principal Investigator: Dean F. Wong, MD, Ph.D.
IRB Protocol #s: 98-11-29-04 and 94-06-21-05 
 

logo

Are You a Motorcycle Enthusiast?

motorcycle    

     TSA of Texas is considering a Motorcycle Rally Fundraiser through the Hill Country in the early Fall.  We can use your help and participation! 
We will be looking for donations, corporate sponsors, volunteers and of course, riders!  Contact TouretteTexas@aol.com or call 281-238-8096 or 1-866-896-8484. 

New Youth Ambassadors in Texas

TSA of Texas Youth Ambassadors     TSA of Texas congratulates Tyler Ray Morris, Christopher Posso, Corey Pursell and Megan Romeo!  These young people completed YA Leadership training at the National TSA Conference in April to become Youth Ambassadors for the state of Texas.  Megan, Corey, Christopher and Tyler are now prepared to speak about TS to their peers at schools, sports events, scout meetings, camps and more.  Watch this newsletter for more updates on these fine young people.

2010 Deep in Our Hearts in Texas Gala

     The Houston Country Club ballroom was the perfect setting for the 2010 Deep in Our Hearts in Texas gala benefiting the Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas.  Honorary Chairman Elizabeth Farish opened up the lovely evening honoring guests Melissa Binstock, the late Rocky Franzen, Carlos Guerra Jr., M.D., and Keith Seilhan.  The menu featured Hill Country BBQ shrimp, Texas blackened rib eye steak, and chocolate praline pecan tart for dessert. In between a great meal and a lively auction hosted by Auctioneer Renee Jones, Author Melissa Binstock shared her touching story with the patrons.  

               gala 2010   gala 2010   gala 2010 

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Author Melissa Binstock Speaks at 2010 Gala

Melissa Binstock
by Melissa Binstock 
 
     Melissa is the author of "Nourishment:  When My Body Betrayed Me," a memoir about her struggle to overcome TS, OCD, ADHD, anorexia nervosa and dyslexia.  She is truly an inspiration to us all.  Melissa gave the following speech at the TSA of Texas Fundraising Gala held on January 28, 2010:  Deep in Our Hearts in Texas.
 
 
     Living with TS oftentimes made me feel as though I was a stranger to the world, peering in but never participating.  I became a stranger to the children who mocked me and the teachers who grew frustrated with me.  Yet, more than anything, I became a stranger to myself.  The uncontrollable tics made me feel as though I was residing in a body not truly my own-a body that twitched and jerked relentlessly as if under the control of some invisible puppeteer.  This is what TS felt like to me; I was a person without a place, a person without a body to truly call my own.  The failed attempts to subdue my tics through medications and injections only intensified a growing desire to regain control of my body, a desire which culminated as an eating disorder by age 8.  I thought that by controlling food, I could regain what TS took away from me, which was control over my own body.  I didn't realize at the time that my attempts to control food would backfire, turning into a situation in which I was only "allowed" to eat a limited number of specific foods.  As my attempts to regain control of my body failed, I began to look for answers elsewhere.  I desperately wanted to understand my pathologies, and as a result I started the tedious process of tracing the origin and evolution of my disorders.  At the time, I had no intention of writing a book, but as my entries grew in length, I realized that perhaps my story could provide guidance for someone else.  Another six years passed before the publication of Nourishment.  I waited this long to publish my book, partly because I was busy with schoolwork and partly because I didn't feel as though I had reached an endpoint in my journey.  There was still more I needed to understand about my experience, my disorders, and most of all, myself.  TS is a complicated disorder that can effect almost every aspect of life.  It can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and mentally frustrating.  Yet, TS also offers us an opportunity to better understand ourselves and our lives.  In other words, TS offers us the opportunity to grow.  That's not to say that living with TS is always easy, but if we are in tuned to ourselves, we can find ways to cope.  For me, that means rearranging my class schedule so that all of my classes are in the morning or early afternoon.  Evenings tend to be harder for me.  By the end of the day, I get tired and can no longer subdue my tics as well, and I don't think my classmates appreciate listening to a lecture accompanied by the sound of barking in the background.  As with any disorder, we must find ways to cope with our condition.  Yet with time, patience, and perseverance, we not only learn to cope, but we can also learn to thrive, grow, and experience a rich and full life.  I would like to thank you all for being here tonight and for contributing to this wonderful organization.  Your support touches me personally as well as countless others with TS.

Send in Your Ideas for Our 2011 Gala Theme

    
     Feeling creative?  Please help us design our theme for the January 2011 Gala!  We will be celebrating our 25th year, so we want to make this an extra special evening.  Our kids at camp made butterfly decorations and we would love to incorporate these into the theme as well.  Please send your ideas to TouretteTexas@aol.com.

Kids Had a Great Time at du Ballon Rouge

dBR Logo


     A record ninety-three children  with TS had an awesome experience at our 8th annual du Ballon Rouge Children's Camping Weekend April 9-11.  DBR provides a safe, nurturing, activity filled and fun environment where children are free to be themselves, safe from ridicule for their tics.  Here are just a few of the comments received on this year's camp:

 

     Our daughter had a great time at camp and we are beyond words in how grateful we are for you compassion and understanding. 

*********************

     I wanted to extend a big thank you to everyone for your extraordinary efforts ... for my son in making him feel as comfortable as possible.  He had such an amazing time and had lots of stories to tell me.  Thank you again for everything!  I truly appreciate it! 

********************

     I wanted to thank you, Michael Conway, and everyone else who worked so hard to make this past weekend's du Ballon Rouge camp a success.  Our son walked into school today with his head held higher than I have seen it in a long time!  He can't seem to stop talking about all of the adventures he had and the friends he made.

********************

     The camp experience was so very beneficial for our son - he felt so self confident and so proud that he has Tourette's.  He wears his camp shirts all the time.  He's always had a heart for all kinds of people, but I noticed that he now makes a special point to reach out and talk to special needs kids as an equal.  At his school he has made special friends with a girl who suffers from CP and a boy who walks with braces. It's uncanny how he sees them like he would any other playmate.  He made a girl's day a while back at Sonic where he walked up to her table and started playing with her.  He didn't know her, but approached her like he would any other child his age.  She is wheelchair bound and has a rare syndrome.  He got out the Sonic toys and played and chatted with her.  Needless to say, her parents were quite impressed with Austin as that practically never happens to her.  Most kids just stop and stare at her.  This is such an enriching experience - one he'll savor for a lifetime! 

 

     We graciously thank the individuals and organizations whose generosity allows us to increase the confidence and success of kids with TS via this special weekend.  If you would like to sponsor a child to go to TS camp in 2011, contact TouretteTexas@aol.com for details. 

 

du Ballon Rouge  du Ballon Rouge  du Ballon Rouge 
 
du Ballon Rouge  du Ballon Rouge  du Ballon Rouge

16th Annual Tee-Off forTourette Coming Soon

 
 
SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, October 18, 2010
 
 
Canongate at The Woodlands - Panther Trail Course
2311 North Millbend Drive
The Woodlands, TX  77380
 
 
     We need YOU to make our event successful and help all Texas families dealing with TS!  Assist us in finding major sponsors or become a sponsor yourself; participate as an individual golfer; organize a 4-person golf team; donate an item for golfer goodie bags, door prizes, or silent auction; purchase dinner/auction tickets, or just make a cash donation!
  
TEE-OFF FOR TOURETTE 2010 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

 
Title Sponsor ($10,000) receives entry for 12 golf tournament participants, listing on Title Sponsor sign and special recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Dinner Sponsor ($6,000)  receives entry for 8 golf tournament participants, listing on Dinner Sponsor sign and special recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Shirt Sponsor ($5,000) receives entry for 4 golf tournament participants, logo on shirts, listing on Major Sponsor sign and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Eagle Sponsor ($2,000) receives entry for 2 golf tournament participants, listing on Major Sponsor sign and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Birdie Sponsor ($1,000) receives entry for 1 golf tournament participant, listing on Major Sponsor sign and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Raffle Sponsor ($500) receives listing on Raffle Sponsor sign and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Putting Contest Sponsor ($400) receives sign listing at contest location and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Beverage Cart Sponsor ($400) receives listing on Golf Cart sign and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Beverage Station Sponsor ($300) receives listing on Beverage Station sign and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
Hole Sponsor ($100) receives listing on Tee Box sign and recognition at Award Dinner.
 
For more information, please contact
Daryl and Barbara Brister
Tee-Off for Tourette Chairpersons
281-395-5392
Morgan's Wonderland Opens in San Antonio

Morgan's Wonderland

     Many parents of special-needs children have been awaiting the opening of Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, the first Ultra-Accessible Family Fun Park in the world. The park is 25 acres in size and includes playscapes, wheelchair swings, train rides, a carousel, an Off Road Adventure Ride, a fishing wharf, the Sensory Village™ ... and so much more.
     The mission of Morgan's Wonderland is to set a new standard for excellence in providing outdoor recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs, their families, friends and the entire community. They believe that there is a real need for a special place for special people, one that provides an oasis for those with disabilities, their families and friends who need facilities specifically designed to assist them in enjoying outdoor activities.
     Morgan's Wonderland was designed with the safety of every guest in mind. State-of-the-art technology is used to make the park as safe as possible, including secured entry and exit, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) locator wristbands and touch-screen display monitors so parents and caregivers can keep track of family and friends, public address and emergency notification systems, video surveillance, and 8-foot perimeter fencing.  There is also fencing around the lake edge for added safety. 
     Visitors must register with Morgan's Wonderland and make a reservation for each visit. Special-needs visitors and children under three are free, and those accompanying special needs individuals are $5.  General admission is $15.  
     Click here for more information. 
Thank You to Our Supporters!   
    
     Our deepest thanks to all of the individuals and organizations that allow us to continue our mission of education, support, advocacy and direct client services.  Your generosity truly make a difference in the lives of children and families struggling with the challenges of Tourette's syndrome. 
 
 

Natalie and Alonzo Armendariz

The Baxter Trust Foundation

Barbara  Bencal

Barbara and Daryl Brister

Louise and Calvin Bynum (in memory of Doris Bynum)

 FD Golson/ BP Fabric of America

Mamie A. Gray (in memory of Doris Bynum)

Mary Harris/United Way

HEB / San Antonio

Janet and Mark Jacobs

Sheryl and Dr. Dov Kadmon

Celine and Stephen McCulloch

Edward Price/BP Fabric of America

Edlyn Pursell

Jean and John Randolph (in memory of Doris Bynum)

Dottie and Clay Richard

Cindy Sacks

Safeway

Tammy Severance

 Rick Sperandio / ExxonMobil Volunteer Grant

Michael Weber/ BP Fabric of America

Connie and Gary Williams

Morris Wiltrout (in memory of Doris Bynum)

 A TS Family Story:  The Long Family Numbering System
by Joy Long 
 

     The following is a true story from one of our families. It certainly demonstrates how a family must have a great sense of humor to deal with day-to-day challenges - TS related or not!  

   

     One day in the car, my son Garrett said he had to go to the bathroom.  I asked "What kind?  Number 1 or Number 2?"  He answered "Neither.  NUMBER 3!"  I asked, "What is Number 3?"  He said, "Diarrhheeeeeeah."    So then diarrhea became "Number 3" in our family.

     Soon after, vomiting became "Number 4."  And when we all got a nasty virus, "Number 5" was born - both Number 3 and Number 4 at the same time.  After my son Jeffri Reily ate Mexican food that didn't agree with him, we added 0.5 to the system (gas).  We all agreed that "Number 6" must be so tragic, so severe....so debilitating, that we must never speak of it.  

     This is the Long Family Numbering System.  If the kids say "Number 5" then I know all heck is breaking loose....if they say 0.5 then it will pass.

Special TS Story About Coppell High School Senior Andrew Nesbitt

Andrew Nesbitt     Here's a heartwarming story out of Coppell, Texas, where high school senior Andrew Nesbitt, who has TS, was given a unique opportunity to be part of his high school's winning soccer team.  

     On March 9, the Coppell soccer team played their last home district game.  In keeping with tradition, the last home game honored all of the senior players.  When Coppell was up by 3 in the second half, Coach Shane Bybee allowed some of the seniors who did not see much playing time during the season to play.  Andrew, who has been the team manager for the last two years, played with the team for the first time that night.  Not only did he get the chance to play with his teammates, Andrew also scored a goal with 12 minutes left in the half.  Both players and crowd stormed the field to congratulate him!
     Andrew said he will never forget this moment.  "I felt like I was on the team and just like any other player.  It was awesome!"
     Congratulations to Andrew and his coach, friends and family who don't let TS stand in his way!  You can view the news segment from the local CBS affiliate here.

"Bonne Nouvelle"
     Danny Adams of the Clear Lake area, had his Eagle Board of Review in December and is officially an Eagle Scout.  He will be having his official Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony in May.  Danny's Eagle project was building raised gardening beds and a preparation table so children and adults in wheelchairs or with back issues can enjoy gardening activities.  The beds were built at a recreation center for disabled children and adults in Pasadena.  Colton Bauer of Lake Travis (7th Grade) and his team won the gold medal in Special Olympics Basketball.  Julie Bishop just graduated from Lee College in Baytown.  She was honored to be chosen as the first student keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony and received a standing ovation.  She was also honored to be the only Community College student selected to have an essay entered in a Publication of the New York Times.  Nicholas Garcia of Bay City (age 12) earned straight As at Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest.  Timothy Gray (age 9) was one of only four boys invited to be part of his school's after school chess group.  He won his first match.  Timothy also made straight As on his report card.  Cullen Johnson, now of Avon, Colorado, graduated high school early at age 17 with a 3.5 GPA.  He has received a Merit Scholarship from Arizona State University and will attend in the fall majoring in Criminal Justice.  He is looking toward DEA or CIA as a career.  Emery/Weiner High School Senior Hannah Lapin was named a 2010 Coca-Cola Scholar.  She was chosen as one of 253 Scholars from a national pool of more than 80,000 applicants.  The award is based several factors, including academics, leadership qualities and community service.  Hannah has served as Teen Editor of the Jewish Herald-Voice, Junior Journalist for Free the Children, on the national committee for J-Serve and much more.  She will receive a stipend to be used toward her college education as well as a trip to Atlanta to meet with area politicians, businesspeople and philanthropists.  She plans to become a journalist.  Brandon Maeker of Katy (age 14) just received his gold belt in kickboxing at Texas Kickboxing Academy.  He works hard and has gone far beyond what he ever thought he could.  Hunter Mauzy of Anna (age 9) made the A Honor Roll and was awarded the Teacher's Choice Award.  Brayden Yancy (age 10) of San Antonio is a straight "A" student.  He is also a great athlete, playing baseball for his parish.  When other kids ask him why he tics, he explains that he has TS and can't help it.  He never gets upset when anyone asks him about it because "they just don't know what it is."   

Congratulations to all of these hard working superstars! 

 
  
     Please send us your "Bonne Nouvelle!"  Has your child received straight A's?  Recently graduated from college?  Are you, as a person with TS, successfully juggling home and family?  We would love to hear about your "good news" for future issues.  Please send your information to TouretteTexas@aol.com.
Physician Referral List
TSA of Texas maintains a list of Texas physicians who are experienced with TS.  To receive a PRL for your area, please email TouretteTexas@aol.com with your city location.  We are also seeking to expand our list, particularly in smaller cities, so if you have a physician who does a great job dealing with TS, please email us his or her contact information.  PHYSICIANS:  if you are interested in learning more about TS or being considered for our PRL, please contact Sheryl Kadmon, Executive Director, at 281-238-8096 or 866-896-8484.
How Can TSA of Texas Help You?
TSA of Texas is here to assist families dealing with TS throughout the state.  We offer:
  • EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS for physicians, school districts, students, parents and the community.   
  • INFORMATION DISSEMINATION via packets, brochures and telephone conversations.  
  • LIBRARY of DVDs, videotapes and books. 
  • REFERRAL to physicians, therapists, community services, and state and county agencies.  
  • ADVOCACY through assistance with ARDs, IEP, 504 or OHI classification.  
  • SUPPORT GROUPS throughout the state.  
  • CHILDREN'S WEEKEND camping program "du Ballon Rouge."
  • FAMILY ACTIVITIES such as baseball games, museum visits, swim parties, and more. 
  • SPECIAL FUNDING sources such as the Kenneth H. Davis Family Assistance Fund and Fund A Need. 
  • ...and much, much MORE! 

Call TSA of Texas at 281-238-8096 (toll-free 1-866-894-8686) or email TouretteTexas@aol.com for more information.  If you have needs other than those listed above, please let us know and we will do our best to help. 

How Can You Help TSA of Texas? 

TSA of Texas funds its services through private donations, fundraising events and grant support.  We receive no state or federal funding.  You can help TSA of Texas and support Texas families dealing with TS by:

  • ATTENDING our fundraising events (e.g., our major Gala held each January and our Tee-Off for Tourette in October)
  • DONATING items or gift certificates for Silent Auction at Gala or Tee-Off 
  • ORDERING a tribute card sent in honor of someone's special event,  
  • CONTRIBUTING via cash, check or credit card to our general fund or a support group of your choice,
  • LINKING your Randall's Remarkable Card to charity #2493, or 
  • REQUESTING a Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor bar code to link to your Kroger Share card..

All donations are totally tax deductible.  Learn More>>  

Bonne Nouvelle is published quarterly by TSA of Texas.  It is edited by Shelley Matcha and Cindy Sacks.