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Summer 2012
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Volume 6, Issue 2
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BONNE NOUVELLE
Your "Good News" from TSA of Texas |
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TSA of TX: Helping Children and Changing Lives | |
Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a chronic neurobehavioral movement disorder that begins in childhood. Those affected make motor movements and vocalizations they cannot control. Additionally, many are plagued by obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dysgraphia and behavioral issues. Today's estimates indicate up to 3 percent (1 in 33) of all children may have Tourette's syndrome. In spite of its high incidence, TS continues to be greatly misunderstood. 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. |
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From the Desk of the Executive Director
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Sheryl Kadmon & Michael Conway
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Summer is here and school is finally over. Parents of children with Tourette's syndrome are probably the only ones on the planet breathing sighs of relief when school is out. We all know very well, in general, how much easier it is to manage our children's symptoms when the stressors of academia are ameliorated. I would encourage you to live, as I do, C.H.E.A.P.-ly this summer and throughout the year to make dealing with Tourette's syndrome more manageable.
First, COURAGE. Watching your child suffer with symptoms they neither want nor can control takes courage. You must be a "rock" and face what confronts your child with equanimity and fearlessness. Avoidance, anger or sadness do not help. Meet each day with Courage.
There are consistently many TS moments of frustration and aggravation: movements, noises, impulsivity, over-activity, inappropriateness... Never forget to keep your sense of HUMOR. Facing life with Humor is critical for TS parents -- and it may be the most elusive element in this rubric. But remember -- if you lose it, you've probably lost the whole "shootin' match!"
EDUCATION and EDUCATING -- you must arm yourself with as much knowledge about TS as possible. The more you know, the more empowered you are to handle the multiple issues that occur daily. Is your child's behavior a tic, OCD, ADHD, all of the above, or a willful act? What does your child need to be successful academically and socially? How do you work cooperatively with your youngster's school? And most importantly, how do you help others understand your child's needs? Education and Educating are key!
ASSISTANCE -- ask for help. Reinventing the wheel is too hard and too time consuming. TSA of Texas provides free educational consultation, materials, In-Service and referral. We also provide parent training, support groups and family activities, such as Museum Day. Assistance that leads to resolution of issues encountered by you and your child helps you confront each day with Courage.
Finally -- PATIENCE. Patience with your child, yourself, your family and friends. Even patience with symptoms (to be distinguished from complacency, which is to be avoided at all costs!) Recognizing that symptoms wax and wane and change over time with no measure of predictability -- that annoying or scary symptoms will usually eventually pass. Always remember that children with Tourette's syndrome have an excellent prognosis. Although the school-age years are often very difficult (Be Patient!), most will have a decrease in symptoms in adulthood and will lead normal, happy, healthy, productive lives.
There truly is a light at the end of the tunnel for our kids and for ourselves. We have much to be thankful for. So, have Patience! Live C.H.E.A.P.-ly and Happy Summer!
Lots of love,
Sheryl
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Profound Thanks to Super Volunteer Daryl Brister
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 | | Daryl Brister |
Daryl Brister epitomizes the words "Super Volunteer" and leader. Arriving in Houston only nine years ago, seeking assistance for his two sons recently diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, Daryl jumped headfirst into TSA of Texas.
Immediately volunteering (along with wife Barbara) to become leaders for a much-needed Katy/West Houston Support Group, he soon realized our golf tournament -- a major state fundraiser -- was also newly without leadership. Again, Daryl and Barbara gathered up the reins and volunteered to chair "Tee-Off for Tourette." Shortly thereafter, a new Executive Board member was needed. Once again, Daryl stepped in, eventually becoming President of the TSA of Texas Board for over five years.
His extraordinary leadership, "can-do" attitude and love have greatly benefited every single person touched by Tourette's syndrome in Texas. Although Daryl has recently stepped down from the Executive Board, he and Barbara remain the Katy Support Group leaders and are entering their tenth year as Chairmen of "Tee-Off for Tourette."
Thank you, Daryl, for your exemplary and unprecedented service! |
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Texas Hotlines | |
Houston: 281-238-8096
Toll Free: 866-894-8686
Emergency Pager: 281-932-0632
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Support Groups
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All support groups are FREE of charge and have supervised fun for kids with TS and their siblings while adults meet separately. TSA of Texas has support groups in:
A support group will be starting in Tyler very soon. To be placed on our list for updates, please email tourettetexas@aol.com.
To start a support group in your area, please contact us toll free at 866-894-8686.
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Save the Date | |
- June 14 - North Houston/The Woodlands Support Group Meeting at 7:00 pm. Karate demonstration/class for the kids! Click here for more information.
- June 27 - Gulf Coast Area Support Group Meeting at 6:30 pm. Presentation by Tyler Morris, TSA of Texas Yourth Ambassador. Click here for more information.
- July 4 - 4th on Broadway -- 4th of July Parade in Lubbock. Look for the Lubbock TSA Support Group parade float -- "Hats Off to Our First Responders!"
- August 2 - Summer Splash Swim & Pizza Party. Cinco Ranch Water Park, Katy, TX. Families invited! RSVP to darbar4@comcast.net. Download flyer here.
- August 7 - San Antonio Support Group Meeting at 6:30 pm. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- August 8 - Katy/Sugar Land Area Support Group Meeting at 6:30 pm. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- August 9 - North Houston/The Woodlands Support Group Meeting at 7:00 pm. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- August 12 - Lubbock Area Support Group Meeting at 2:00 pm. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- August 16 - Rio Grande Valley Support Group Premiere Meeting at 6:00 pm. NEW GROUP! Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- August 22 - Gulf Coast Area Support Group Meeting at 6:30 pm. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- September 8 - Dallas/North Texas Support Group Meeting at 10:00 am. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- September 8 - Fort Worth Support Group Meeting at 5:30 pm. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- September 19 - Corpus Christi Support Group Meeting at 6:00 pm. Back to School Preparation with Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director. Click here for more information.
- October 8 - 18th annual Tee-Off for Tourette at Cannongate at The Woodlands. Click here for more information or contact Barbara at darbar4@comcast.net.
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Chase Community Giving
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 Chase Community Giving is donating $5 million to local charities across the country -- and we need your help to nominate the Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas!
Step One:
Chase customers with a Chase online account and Chase employees can nominate their favorite charities through July 9th.
Log on to https://www.chasegiving.com/
Enter our EIN: 74-2198940 and hit "Search"
Verify by checking the address: 3433 W Dallas, Houston, TX
Nominate us!
Step Two:
Voting for nominated charities will run September 6 - 19. Chase customers can vote on the Chase site and on Facebook. Charities with the most votes will share in $5 million! We will remind you when it is time to vote!
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2012 du Ballon Rouge
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 Sending your wish, by red balloon, into a clear, blue Texas sky with hopes that it will come true - anything is possible at du Ballon Rouge!
Our 10th annual dBR weekend was held March 23 - 25, 2012 at Camp for All in Burton, Texas. A record number of children attended our anniversary year -- 117 in all! Huge thanks to all those who made this incredible experience possible for our children: The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation; The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation; individual donors; our physicians and psychologists; our nurses and staff; and our fabulous counselors! We could not do this without your help! Click here for more information. Dates for our 2013 dBR and applications will be available on our web site in January, 2013.
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Katy's First Time At du Ballon Rouge
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 TSA of Texas received the following from Katy's mom, Carol Yost, after Katy's first time at du Ballon Rouge.
Our daughter, Katy Yost, attended her first camp this past weekend and we can not even put into words how grateful we are for the entire experience. "Thank you" is not enough! Katy left home a little girl who had never been away overnight without us and came back with a new grown up purpose and attitude! She met so many new kids and had such positive experiences that she told me she wanted to run away from home and live up at camp forever. She has never met another child with TS such as herself so she felt at home with other kids - not alone anymore.
From the moment we entered the camp facility and met Katy's counselor, Jennifer, we felt an excitement in the air. The check-in process was very organized and everyone we met was helpful and friendly. Katy's counselor was a bundle of energy and encouragement. She was mindful of our nervousness and fears of leaving our child in the hands of strangers for such a long weekend. She showed us the cabin and let Katy pick out her bed - all the while helping her to feel safe and comfortable. Katy was also thrilled by the opening "carnival" event and that she received enough prize tickets to pick out several items from the gift table. As a parent, I could see that they were closing up shop for the afternoon but they took the time to allow a late comer to have an opportunity to play and receive such nice prizes! By the time I walked away from our daughter to leave the camp facility, I was overcome with the realization that she was about to embark on a fantastic new journey in her young life. She was so focused on her new surroundings she did not even realize I was leaving. I heard her call out to me from a distance "Goodbye, Mommy - I love you!" and I knew from her voice that she felt safe in this wonderful environment.
Additionally, Katy has a profound unilateral hearing loss. Jennifer listened as I instructed her on how to handle this aspect of Katy's disability. Again, Jennifer was encouraging and attentive to Katy's unique needs. We learned that one of Katy's cabin mates is deaf and has cochlear implants, so Katy could immediately relate to this new friend on the same level as her own differences. Katy is also adopted as was this child, so the bottom line is that we clearly saw how God was orchestrating and using so many great people during this unique and special weekend to open Katy's eyes to see that she is no longer alone or that much different from other children.
When my husband and I returned to camp to pick Katy up on Sunday, we were anxious to learn the outcome of her first time away from home. We first looked for her in her cabin. I had visions of her suitcase packing in disarray - however, all of the luggage was neatly stacked by the door and ready for pickup - I was quite impressed! I was thinking to myself that this is clearly an organized, first-class operation! After several more stops, we finally found Katy at the archery stand. It was obvious to us that she was not missing us and was happy visiting with her many new friends. Later, she told us about befriending one of the boys. He was upset about something and she wanted to find out why. He described how sad he was that kids tease him at school. Katy told him when kids do that to her, she simply walks away from them. He apparently needed to hear that, and they are now best of friends! Katy's counselor said they were inseparable at camp!
Katy also caught her first fish in the lake while at camp. Apparently, there was much excitement about this not only for Katy but for her cabin mates as well. Her daddy was a little disappointed that he was not present for this "event", but we were very happy that a "desire of her heart" had been fulfilled in the presence of her friends!
Prior to attending du Ballon Rouge, Katy wanted more than anything to "fit in" and meet other children like herself. Her positive, encouraging experiences at camp surpassed her expectations! She returned to school with a new aura of confidence and strength. Every day since camp she's asked if she can return. The entire experience of professionalism, compassion and freedom to be one's self was the greatest "gift" anyone could give our daughter - for that we are eternally grateful.
Thank you again for an opportunity of a life time,
Carol, Glenn & Katy Yost
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Katy later dictated the following message to encourage other kids who might be anxious about their first time attending du Ballon Rouge:
My camp is great because they treat me with respect! I made friends there. Some of them are just so sad, so I made friends with them and made them feel better. Also, my camp had du Ballon Rouge which was very fun! We also had marshmallows and we did a little dance which was fun too. When I caught the fish at camp, I felt happy. I was the only one, but I also encouraged my other friends that they could catch a fish too. We went canoeing and had fun. When I grow up, I'm going to still be special no matter what - I bet you are too 'cause I'm not the only one!
Love,
Katy
Katy, we can't wait to see you at dBR again next year!
Love, TSA of Texas
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Neurofeedback and Tourette's Syndrome: A Good Combination
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by Patrice Brumley, M.Ed, LPC
Neurofeedback is simply brainwave feedback. It is a good combination therapy for Tourette's syndrome because it can be effective for all ages, multiple symptoms and multiple diagnoses. Neurofeedback trains individuals to self regulate chronic arousal (under or over arousal) activities. It's also fun, challenging and interactive. Although individual training is done via computer; there are no controllers, joysticks or keyboards used. Instead, training screens are controlled by one's brainwaves.
Clients learn brain flexibility to "change gears" from constant over arousal or under arousal brainwave states to a desired state. Examples of over arousal states are ADHD, anxiety, OCD, impulsivity, frustration, anger and tics. Examples of under arousal brainwave states would be ADD, poor focus and attention, depressed mood, difficulty waking up or getting moving in the morning and poor motivation as well as poor comprehension. It is also helpful for autism spectrum, chronic pain, headaches, mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD.
Neurofeedback is a form of learning called operant conditioning. The individual learns by rewards and trial and error learning. When the brain produces the optimal brainwaves that are associated with a calm body and an alert and focused mind, then the brain gets rewarded by activation of the screen image. For example, Pac-Man will move through the maze or a race car will start to move down the highway. When the brain is producing too much slow wave or fast wave activity, the image will stop moving. Thus the brain "learns" to produce the desired brainwave state. This takes concentration and practice. Training requires participation by the client and the ability to sit still for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. It is recommended for children over the age of 7 on up to adults and typically requires 30 sessions or more depending on symptom severity and multiple diagnoses. This course of training is usually about 5-6 months with some results being seen after about 10-12 sessions, if not before. It is similar in length to a course of physical or occupational therapy for just as the body can "relearn", so can the brain.
Patrice Brumley holds a Master of Education and is Board Certified in Biofeedback. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Austin area. Patrice has been a certified biofeedback provider since 1986 and a neurofeedback provider since 2002. She has worked with many different medical and behavioral health issues over these many years and has also worked in various clinic, hospital and private practice settings.
The views and recommendations expressed by this author are not necessarily endorsed or promoted by the TSA of Texas or The Tourette Syndrome Association. The author's views are provided for your information only.
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NEW Support Group -- Rio Grande Valley
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Please join us for the premiere meeting of the NEW
Rio Grande Valley Tourette Syndrome Support Group!
August 16, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Mission Regional Medical Center
900 S. Bryan Road, Classrooms A & B
Mission, TX 78572
Sheryl Kadmon, TSA of Texas Executive Director, will speak on Back to School Preparation. The whole family is welcome. Invite your teachers to attend, too! There will be a concurrent Children's Group for children with TS and their siblings. There is no cost to attend. Se habla espanol. For questions or to RSVP, please contact Christina at (956) 458-2417 or cpj.mission@gmail.com.
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Tristan Perez, 11, Runs to Make People More Aware of Tourette's |
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Photo by George Gongora |
By George Vondracek
CORPUS CHRISTI -Tristan Perez and his family would like everyone to understand more about Tourette's syndrome, dispel some misconceptions and make everyone more aware of the disorder.
If it takes running 13.1 miles to do it, then so be it.
Competing in a half-marathon would be daunting proposition for most folks, perhaps even more so if you are all of 11 years old. But for Perez, today's LiveStrong Austin Marathon & Half Marathon should be a leisurely stroll compared to the journey he has been facing.
Click here to read the article published in the Corpus Christi Caller Times. |
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Photos from January Fundraising Gala |
Guests were treated to a festive evening of reception, a roving magician, musical entertainment, dinner and both silent and live auctions at our annual fundraising gala held Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Houston Country Club. Click here to see more photos from the event. We hope you enjoy! Mark your calendar for next year's Gala -- Thursday, January 24, 2013. |
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First Annual Targets for Tourettes Clay Shoot
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Targets for Tourette's, our first Sporting Clays Shoot, was a major success and raised much needed funds for TSA of Texas. Held on March 23rd at the Greater Houston Gun Club, the event was a Texas-sized party that began with the clays tournament, followed by drinks, dinner, and dancing to live music by recording star Tommy Alverson. Auction items included two Longhorn steers, a Safari to South Africa, a private Clays Shoot, custom-made Lucchese boots and more!
Thank you to ALL our sponsors, supporters, attendees and more, including: Lucchese Boots, Meredith and Fielding Cocke, Hildebrand Foundation, Employee Benefits Solutions, Fulbright & Jaworski, Cotton Logistics, Stedman West Foundation, Reef/El Real Restaurants, Gail & Willie Wood/"Double W" Longhorns, Sutherland & Asbill, Looper Reed & McGraw, King & Spalding, Eva Gail & Bill Abington, Carmen & Jim Fitzpatrick, Mary Howell & Jay Gann, Maida's Belts and Buckles, Bohlin, OSP Shooting School, and ALL the "Deputies", including Roseann Rogers & Dr. Aash Shah, and many others. Our biggest, Texas-sized thanks to our wonderful T4T chairmen -- Jyl and Keith Calcote. From the initial concept to the final awesome event, Jyl and Keith did an amazing, first-class job!
We couldn't have done it without any of y'all!
CLICK HERE for more Targets for Tourette's photos.
Save the Date for next year: March 22, 2013
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Macy's Shop For A Cause
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DONATE $5.00 to TSA of Texas --
RECEIVE a Macy's Shop For A Cause Pass
Use Your Pass to Shop on Saturday, August 25th
at ALL Macy's Nationwide and at Macys.com
Receive exclusive savings - ONLY with your $5 Shopping Pass
PLUS -- enter to win a $500 Macy's Gift Card
(one winner at each Macy's nationwide!)
TSA of Texas recieves 100%of each $5.00 donation.
YOU save money with this SPECIAL Macy's Pass!
Shopping Passes are available at support group meetings or
send $5.00 for each shopping pass desired to:
TSA of Texas
Macy's Shop for a Cause
9407 Brown Leaf Circle
Houston, TX 77096
Please include a self-addressed envelope with your mailing address.
Allow time for us to mail the pass to you before August 25th.
Email tourettetexas@aol.com for more details or to pay by credit card.
MACY's SHOP for a CAUSE: Supporting non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. since 2006.
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SAVE THE DATE: Tee-Off for Tourette | |
 Monday, October 8, 2012
Tee-Off for Tourette
18th Annual Charity Golf Event
Canongate at The Woodlands -
Panther Trail Course
2311 North Millbend Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Many ways to participate: bring a team of four, play as a single golfer, sponsor a hole at $100, be a dinner or beverage sponsor, attend dinner and auction only, or donate items for Silent Auction! Download forms here. For more information, contact Daryl or Barbara Brister at darbar4@comcast.net or 281-395-5392. |
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"Good News" from our Families
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 | | Bryn Sophia Bergeron |
Ted Bergeron of Fort Worth welcomed his new daughter Bryn Sophia on June 5th. Ted has struggled with TS since the age of five, but was not diagnosed until he was 17. Ted is now 31 and has been married for 3 years. Kaitlyn "Kaity" Bellis, age 11 from Amarillo, completed 5th grade on the A/B Honor Roll. She also participated in the Wolfin Elementary Honor Choir and placed
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Kaity Bellis
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second in the school-wide Spelling Bee. Kaity accomplished all this in spite of numerous obstacles, including TS, OCD, ADD and a medication reaction that caused her to miss nearly 20 days of school during the last six weeks. Her parents are proud of this tenacious and strong young lady! Amanda Case, age 16 of Fort Worth, completed her Sophomore year with all A's and B's
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Amanda Case
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and has enrolled this summer at Tarrant County Community College for Dual Credit classes. Amanda is also on the leadership board for Student Council and Fellowship Christian Athletes next year. Next on her list is her summer job and her driver's license. Proud Mom states Amanda never lets her TS or anxiety hold her back and keep her from being who she is. Cole Chavez from San Antonio has completed his freshman year at A&M Galveston. Dad Gary says, "Go, Sea Aggies!" Thespian siblings Hunter and Haleigh Courts, Port Neches, have parts in Lamar State College's summer musical "Oliver." Haleigh has the role of Bett and Hunter is the knife grinder and in the adult male chorus. Additionally, Hunter auditioned for and made the Indian Singers and the Indian Players at his school. Isaiah DeAnda, age 11 of Lubbock, is headed into Junior High School. He was honored with a certificate for completing his elementary career on the "A" honor roll. Timothy Gray, age 11 and from Amarillo, received the National Presidential Physical Fitness Award for P.E. Timothy also was on the A/B Honor Roll all year long and won the outstanding recorder player award in music class. Will Henderson earned a place on the A-B honor roll for his entire 5th grade year. Will is 11 and lives in Lubbock. Ian Henry of Tomball earned all A's on his report card and also earned his red belt in TaeKwon Do. He is a Webelos II in Cub Scouts after a year of hard work. Edward Knapek of Austin, currently Athletic Director at his school, was recently elected President of his Athletic League in Austin. Edward is also coordinating "adult-only" TS Support Group meetings in the Austin area. Hunter Lawrence, age 11 of Bishop, has successfully completed fifth grade with an A/B Honor Ro ll certificate. Aidan Masterson of The Woodlands completed second grade and was recognized for his straight-A average for the entire school year. Mychelle McClellan, age 11 of Abilene, was awarded the Academic Excellence Award for earning a 95 or above average in all her
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core classes for the year, along with the A Honor Roll for the year at Wylie Intermediate School. Hannah Meyer, age 10 of Houston, channels her energy into ballet, taking private lessons and up to four ballet classes per week. Her hard work and great talent have certainly paid
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Tyler Morris
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off -- her ballet teacher has choreographed a special contemporary piece for Hannah, which will be presented in the 2012 Summer Intensive Performance showcase. TSA Youth Ambassador Tyler Morris recently spoke to a 4th grade class at Commonwealth Elementary in Sugar Land. He was asked to speak by a teacher to help classmates better understand a fellow student with TS. Ryne Nardecchia performed off-Broadway last year in the new musical "Kissless" in the New York Musical Theatre Festival. He was also nominated for a Tommy Tune award by Theatre Under the Sta
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David Dylon Pena
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rs in the category of "Best Leading Actor" for his role as J. Pierrepont Finch in "How to Succeed in Business." David Dylon Pena, now a fifth grader in Corpus Christi, battles TS and dyslexia but doesn't let them hold him back. He achieved the A/B Honor Roll for most of the year an d was awarded "The Star" for leading the pack in his school's running club. Corey Pursell, currently attending Texas A&M, will be Head Coach for the Trotter Family Y summer league swim team. Through ASSIST 2015, Corey also recently sold colored shoe laces at A&M to raise
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Jessica Rose
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money and awareness for TSA of Texas. Jessica Rose is a 6th grade math teacher at Clear Lake Intermediate School in Houston and is currently attending the University of St. Thomas for a Masters in Exceptionality with a specialization in Educational Diagnostician -- with a current 4.0 GPA. Married with two sons, Jessica remembers tics as early as age 7, but was not diagnosed until 6th grade. She has taught several children with TS through the years and finds students now to be much more understanding than when she was a child. Sheryl Kadmon, Richmond, won Reserve Grand Champion at the South Texas Goat Show with her dairy goat Kyrie. Leigh-Andrea Zegarelli, a Youth Ambassador for TSA of Texas, was third place runner up in the America's Homecoming Queen competition in April. Leigh-Andrea was also selected as a teen mentor for the Neurology department at Cooks Children's Hospital in Fort Worth.
GRADUATION CORNER
Melissa Binstock of Houston, author of Nourishment, graduated summa cum laude from the University of St. Thomas. Melissa will be attending a clinical psychology program at UHCL, focusing on Tourette's and OCD. She hopes to attend law school after that. Melissa will also be featured in an upcoming film entitled "Letters from Generation X." Amanda Bosson graduated Lewisville High School with honors, including
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Cory Collins
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being named a National Merit Scholar, receiving the Department Award in Excellence in Latin and Pre-AP Physics. Amanda has been offered scholarships totaling over $400,00 from the University of Oklahoma, the University of Alabama, University of Nebraska, Texas A&M and UT at Dallas. Cory Collins received his Certificates from his 6 week course at Health Initiatives Learning Center in Galveston. His mom says it has been a very long road with a few more miles to go, but she and Cory are now proud and hopeful after such great progress.
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Taylor Lovshe
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Adam Farris graduated with this Office Skills Certificate and hopes to one day have an office skills job. In the meantime, Adam has started a business selling tee shirts. Hal Kadmon, Houston, received his Electrical Engineering degree from University of Houston. Hal was VP of his fraternity; is a member of MENSA, and is now employed in Field Services at Toshiba International Corporation (which proud mom Sheryl Kadmon points out spells "TIC.") Taylor Lovshe graduated from The Woodlands College Park. Taylor and her mom send special thanks to Sheryl Kadmon for all her assistance and support over the years. Meg Romeo, a Fort Worth area TSA of Texas Youth Ambassador, is headed to Texas A&M next year. Anthony Ruyle, Fort Worth, graduated from Amon-Carter-Riverside High School and will be attending Tarleton State in the fall on a scholarship. Anthony also received the ROTC Retired Officer's award and the Superior Cadet award.. Christopher Posso, a Houston TSA of Texas Youth Ambassador, graduated from Memorial Private School and will attend Houston Community College this fall. Chris hopes to soon transfer to Chapman Universityin Los Angeles to study Digital Arts. A computer genius, Christopher is now looking for a summer job! Rily Stewart has graduated from high school in Dallas and will attend Brookhaven College in the fall, continuing Jazz Band/History/Software Programming. Rily plays trombone and his school Jazz Band recently completed in the UTA Jazz Festival and the Texas Tech Jazz Festival, winning both competitions with highest honors. Because of this success, the band recently opened for the Dallas Jazz Orchestra at a Mother's Day concert.
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Help Find the Genes for TS |
The Tourette Syndrome Association International Consortium for Genetics (TSAICG) has identified several chromosomes that may contain genes for TS. The TSAICG is collaborating with the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS) and TSA to continue genetic studies and confirm these findings. But to do so,
We need to enroll 3,000 people who have TS.
Taking part in the study involves answering questions about your tics and related symptoms. Or, if you are the parent of a youth with TS who is 6 to 17 years old, answering questions about your child's symptoms. If your answers to these questions qualify you for the second part of the study, you will be asked to donate a sample of blood for genetic analyses.
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Brain Imaging Research Studies |
We are currently conducting two brain imaging studies to learn more about the roles of two brain chemicals (dopamine and serotonin) in Tourette's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
People with Tourette's syndrome (TS), people with TS and OCD, people with OCD, and healthy people without OCD and without TS, ages 18 to 70 years are needed to participate in brain
imaging research studies 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 their time. Travel expenses to Baltimore, MD and accommodations will be covered.
To learn more and have your questions answered, contact: Dr. James Brasic at 410-955-8354, Dr. Vanessa Raymont at 410-955-0255 or Mr. Stephen Condouris at 410-955-8501
Note: By contacting the investigators, you are in no way obligated to participate.
Principal Investigator: Dean F. Wong, M.D., Ph.D.
JHM IRB Protocols #s: 98-11-29-04 and 94-06-21--05
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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. |
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How Can TSA of Texas Help You?
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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, web site downloads, email 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. Visit our web site at www.TouretteTexas.org. If you have needs other than those listed above, please let us kno w and we will do our best to help.
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How Can You Help TSA of Texas?
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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, Targets for Tourette's Sporting Clay Shoot in March; or our Tee-Off for Tourette in October),
- DONATING items or gift certificates for Silent Auction at either 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,
- DESIGNATING TSA of Texas to receive 10-100% of your final sale price the next time you list something on EBAY. Or look for listings that support TSA of Texas when you shop at the TSA of Texas eBay Giving Works page.
- LINKING your Randall's or Tom Thumb Remarkable Card to charity #2493, or
- DOWNLOADING a Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor bar code to link to your Kroger Share card. Click here. NOTE: Kroger MUST be re-lnked each year starting in June.
All donations are totally tax deductible. Learn More>>
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