|
Winter 2014-2015
|
Volume 8, Issue 4
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 have associated obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dysgraphia and other 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.
|
|
From the President - Michael Conway
| |
 | | Michael Conway |
IF YOU ONLY KNEW THE MENTAL ENDURANCE OF YOUR CHILD
The mental endurance of a child living with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and its "tag-a-long" friends, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is amazing. Amazing in the amount of tenacity, energy, and focus required from the moment they wake until the moment they fall asleep - every day. The mental battles of 'tug-of-war' never cease. Some battles are easier than others, but it is a rare moment when something external is not igniting their tics and obsessions into constant motion. It is a daily struggle in which there are no rest breaks. The concept of never being able to turn something off is difficult to comprehend unless it is your daily way of life.
The battles I am referring to, which are unseen to you and everyone else, are the ones in which your child is constantly trying to control their tics and obsessions. The amount of energy and focus expelled to control these tics and obsessions is both enormous and exhaustive; leaving little energy to perform all the typical responsibilities required of a child - like paying attention in class, completing homework, completing chores, and being social. Many situations, such as when I sit in a conference or meeting, similar to your child sitting in a classroom, can seem like someone to my left is singing, someone to my right is banging erasers together, and someone behind me is pulling on my collar. How am I/your child supposed to have the energy to also focus on the speaker/teacher when we are constantly trying to block out these distractions/control the tics and obsessions?
If you are a parent of a child living with TS, and possibly OCD and/or ADD, you understand your child's feelings and needs more than anyone. You observe their struggles in each facet of their life as well as the bothersome, sometimes intolerable side effects of neuroleptic medications. However, unless you yourself live with these disorders, you are unable to comprehend the level of mental endurance that resides within your child's brain.
The best way I can serve you, other than ensure our organization offers programs and services that assist in improving the quality of life for you and your family, is help you better understand the mental challenges your child endures on a daily basis. While your child may be able to express how they feel, maybe even in some detail, they may not be able to articulate the struggle TS and OCD truly creates. I will attempt to share my thoughts with you, when my tics and obsessions occur, in hopes of providing you with a better understanding of the mental strength required for a child to succeed, or just get through, each day. I say 'attempt' as I have not explained to anyone, in much detail, the endless 'ticker-tape' of tics and obsessions that flow through my mind.
It would be impossible to express, in the space of this article, every tic and obsession that occurs in just one day. Therefore, I have decided to use a recent event as my 'stage'. I completed an ultra-distance triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run) in Cozumel this past November.
My goal is to simulate my experience at this event to what a typical school day is like for a child with TS (and related conditions). Try to imagine all the interaction in your child's daily life while constantly, silently, having to fend off these 'intruders' in their mind.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF RACE REPORT
It is common for individuals to write a race report after they have finished a long endurance race such as this one. Simply access a specific race event page on Facebook to find a current read. Topics such as difficulty of the course, weather conditions, how the person felt throughout the race, and other highlights specific to that race are detailed. For most, finishing time determines the success of a race.
I usually let out a 'hmmhh' after reading most race reports and think...'If it was only that simple!' Of course, I am not disrespecting anyone that, not only completes, but, participates in an event of this distance. As you can imagine, the physical discomfort and pain that must be endured can be harsh. However, the physical pain pales in comparison to the challenges TS and OCD bring to my race day - mentally and physically.
My race report will mirror the unpredictability and occurrence (of tics and obsessions) you observe in the daily life of your child. That is, my report will be filled with random statements, incomplete sentences, and random outbursts. Again, I will attempt to describe a similar scenario, in your child's day, by inserting my comment in brackets. I will also insert random obsessive thoughts or actions by simply inserting 'OBS' at the start of the sentence.
AN IRONMAN TRIATHLON ON TS & OCD
My race begins a couple of days before the canon, signifying the race, is even fired on race morning [anxiety begins to build in your child before even stepping on the bus or arriving at school] - from the never-ending stimulus at the airport, being confined on the plane, to the race expo - constantly having to develop strategies which will cause the least anxiety and avoid the most attention [your child is, essentially, developing a battle plan to maneuver through their day with the path of least resistance - avoiding what I call 'tic zones'].
The heightened level of anxiety upon entering the race expo [classroom or lunchroom] is similar to the feeling you might experience after you've had a near-miss car accident - rapid breathing, a rapid heart rate. These intense anxiety filled situations do not occur often, but the 'electricity' flowing through me is high once I realize I am about to enter one. I usually purchase a hat and a shirt at each race expo and then peruse the vendors. To simply buy a hat, or anything else, I, for what seems like minutes on end, search every item on the rack, in microscopic fashion, looking for the tiniest of anomalies in stitching, discoloration, and any other imperfections (imperfections that most would need a microscope to see!). The feeling everyone is watching and wondering what I am doing (dissecting every item on the rack) brings out my tics in full force.
To ensure this article is not mistaken for a novel, I will get to the actual event...but, I hope you get my point of the endless distractions which create havoc throughout your child's day.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE
|
|
 |
|
From TSA to YOU....
| |
As 2014 comes to a close, we wish you and your family a peaceful, safe and happy holiday and a fabulous New Year.
The Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas had an amazing 2014 - our 28th year, in fact! We continued and expanded our Mission of providing help to Texans dealing with Tourette's syndrome, through our many programs of Education and In-Service; our unique Medical Assistance Program; Advocacy and Consulting; Scholarships and Direct Client Services; Support Groups; Family Events and Activities; Youth Ambassador Program; and of course our 12th Annual Children's Camp du Ballon Rouge. As always, we never charge for our services.
We look forward to even more in 2015, as we start a new support group in the Bryan/College Station area, add two new Youth Ambassadors and make plans to educate many more health professionals and school personnel about Tourette's.
We know that the Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas would not be where it is now without the strong support of the community. In 2015, we ask for your continued support. With up to 3% of the population potentially affected by Tourette's, here in Texas alone we can impact the lives of nearly one-half million people. As the New Year approaches, please consider a year-end tax-deductible donation and help us continue to positively change children's lives!
To make an online donation, please click here . Choosing to send a check? You can mail to:
Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas
P.O. Box 147
Richmond, TX 77406
Have an awesome Holiday and see you in 2015!
Sincerely,
Sheryl, Cindy and theTSA of Texas Executive Board
|
|
Texas Hotlines | |
Houston: 281-238-8096
Toll Free: 866-894-8686
Emergency Pager: 281-932-0632
|
|
Support Groups
| |
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:
To start a support group in your area, please contact us toll free at 866-894-8686.
|
|
|
|
Tri For Tourette's
|
Did you know that Michael Conway raises awareness
and money
for TS through IronMan events?
  
|
|
Arias & Awareness: Giving Voice to Tourette's Syndrome
|
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Chairmen: Renee and John Hawkins
Honorees: Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, M.D.
Willie, Gail, Julia, Nicholas and Thomas+ Wood
Houston Country Club, #1 Potomac Drive, Houston, TX 77057
The Arias & Awareness Gala is a festive evening of reception, dinner, entertainment, awards and Auction. Proceeds help TSA of Texas fund our many programs and activities throughout the entire state.
RESERVE YOUR TABLES AND TICKETS NOW.
Individual tickets start at $200 each and Tables of 10 start at $2,000.
CLICK HERE for Invitation.
CLICK HERE for Reply Card.
DONATE ITEMS OR CERTIFICATES FOR AUCTION.
Ask the restaurants, hotels and stores you frequent to donate.
CLICK HERE for Auction Donor Form.
Unable to attend? Cash donations of any size are always welcomed.
   
|
|
Show Us Your Creativity!
|
We invite you to share your stories, poems or drawings for our January Gala Program!
*Adults AND Children*
Please submit your original art, poems, stories for inclusion in our January Gala Program. Those whose arts/writings are included will receive a copy of the Program.
Email to TouretteTexas@aol.com or mail originals to Cindy at Gala Program, 9407 Brown Leaf Circle, Houston, TX 77096. Do not delay -- deadline is 1/14/2015.
We welcome submissions from persons with TS, siblings or parents. We would love art and stories from all of our TSA of Texas family. You may also include your photograph, if desired. Be sure to tell us your first name, city and age (if a child).
Our Gala theme is "Arias & Awareness: Giving Voice to Tourette's Syndrome." If possible, your submissions should reflect this theme. What do YOU want people to understand about TS? This is your chance to tell them in word, photo or drawing.
See more samples of "Giving Voice" art
on our Holiday Tree Photos below.
|
|
Penny Drop Project
|
A penny is pretty meaningless, right? What can one actually do with only a penny?
Well, last spring the students of Dripping Springs High School covered an entire classroom floor with pennies -- 120,000 of them! And now TSA of Texas is thrilled to accept those pennies as a $1,200 donation
The fundraiser is known as the "Penny Drop Project," and is actually a specific campaign created and hosted by Damos Public Relations (on Twitter as @DamosPR), an Austin-based startup. The public relations firm was founded and is being lead by Cambria Sawyer, a freshman student at the University of Texas at Austin, who is passionate about community engagement as well as supporting those who are dealing with Tourette Syndrome.
 Her fourteen year-old brother, Tucker Sawyer, was diagnosed with Tourette's several years ago along with coprolalia and dysgraphia. Together, they have become strong advocates of tolerance and awareness among people regardless of the disabilities or 'quirks' in one another. The two have been named one of our two Youth Ambassador teams for Texas, and will attend training in Virginia in March. Both are absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to share and use their personal experiences with others in order to advocate for an increase in public awareness and acceptance.
The "Penny Drop Project" began with a period of fundraising before the day that the students actually laid the pennies out on the floor, or the 'penny drop.' They enlisted the help and support of students, school administration, and community business leaders and members to raise awareness for their goal to cover an entire classroom floor with pennies. Students formed a 'jar team' and carried collection jars around the schools districts to help increase student involvement, and businesses donated or allowed collection jars to be placed on their countertops. The day of the 'penny drop', a team of students placed the pennies, which had been converted from donations received, onto the floor and opened the room up to the rest of the school for further donation.
As an incentive, the assistant principal acted as a human basketball hoop at which students could  'aim' as many donations as they pleased, and students lined up down the hallway for a shot at their favorite administrator. Of course, a sweet-looking motorcycle helmet was worn for protection and style. The community succeeded in filling the floor with pennies, raising $1,200 for our cause, and engaging an entire town for a common goal.
The "Penny Drop Project" is just one of the ways Cambria and Tucker hope to make a difference. Tucker is also helping Cambria write a book about their experience as a family living with Tucker's Tourette's. The book is from Cambria's perspective as a sister growing up with such a complex disorder and trying to balance being understanding and respectful with normal sibling rivalries. In "Chapter One: I Have a Bomb," she tells the story of the time they went to the airport and the ensuing head-punching, boob-grabbing, and "I have a bomb!" screaming adventures that they had that day. The ultimate goal of the book is to help more people become aware of how Tourette's works and understand it at a deeper level by telling these stories in a humorous, but very informative way. Feel free to read the book chapters on Cambria's blog at www.cambriacorner.wordpress.com and share them to help raise awareness.
So -- do you still think that penny at the bottom of your purse or on the floorboard of your car is worthless? Cambria and Tucker challenge you to start a Penny Drop of your own, through your school, workplace or community group. Those pennies add up and TSA of Texas is happy to use every single one of them!
|
|
Sibling Support and Solutions
|
Meet Our "Sibling" columnists -- Zach and Shelby
 | | Zach Peyton |
Hi it's Zach Peyton again and I just wanted everyone to know something about Tourette's from my point of view. Sometimes my tics hurt in two ways, because of the pain some tics cause and the laughter from others. It gives me horrible OCD and examples are when I have to make my MineCraft houses perfectly symmetrical and I walk in circles a lot. I hope you remember that I can't help that I have Tourette's and it takes all kinds of people to make up the world, including me! I was so happy to find out that there is a camp just for Tourette's and I went this year and it was fun to just be myself!
 | | Shelby Peyton |
Hey, this is Shelby. There are a few things I would like you to know about Tourette's. People with Tourette's can't control their tics and even if you tell them to 'stop', it makes it worse and their OCD causes them do it more! It's not a joke. Yet, I have seen shows and videos mocking the disorder. I don't find it funny; in fact, it can be very stressful as a sibling. Mostly, it's not something to take lightly, because many kids are bullied for being different - including my brother. The one thing I would like you to take from this is to embrace everyone's differences, not ignore them or make fun of them.
************************
JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Zach and Shelby welcome your questions, reflections and advice on dealing with Tourette's and other matters. What is it like for you to have TS or to be the sibling of someone with TS? Does the TS create problems or has it brought you closer together? what do you do when someone makes fun of your sibling with TS? Send your thoughts to TouretteTexas@aol.com.
|
|
Austin Support Group: Good Bye and Hello!
|
 | |
Steve & Shelley, Kate & Edward
|
The December meeting of the Austin area Support Group was bittersweet. While families enjoyed a Holiday Potluck and decorated our traditional graham cracker"gingerbread" houses, the group also was saying 'good bye' to long time support group leader Shelley Matcha.
Shelley began the group nine years ago, when her sons were small and one of her twins was newly diagnosed with Tourette's. Throughout the years, Shelley, her husband Steve and her mother Mary Harris brought in speakers, entertained children, educated educators, and provided much-needed support to scores and scores of families living with TS. Shelley also found the time to serve for several years on the TSA of Texas Executive Board, act as Co-Editor of this e-newsletter, raise her family and start a thriving business.
 | | The Matcha Family |
But now that Colton, Chase and Connor are growing up, Shelley decided to step down from her many duties at TSA to devote herself to her business, her family and maybe even find a little time for herself.
But never fear! Austin will be in fabulous hands, as Kate and Edward Knapek take over as Austin Support Group leaders. Support Group members are already familiar with Kate and Edward. Currently the Athletic Director of St. Louis Catholic School, Edward has been a member of the group since its inception, serves as the Adult Support Group Leader and has been a camp counselor for nearly 10 years at Camp du Ballon Rouge. Edward has had Tourette's syndrome all of his life, though he was not formally diagnosed until the age of 16. However, he never lets Tourette's slow him down.
 | |
Edward & Kate
|
Kate met Edward while teaching 1st grade at St. Louis Catholic School. They instantly had a connection and Kate has been very supportive of Edward and his work with the Austin Chapter of TSA. She began regularly attending meetings a year after they began dating. Soon after Kate and Edward married in December 2012, Edward became the adult TS support group leader and Kate took over as the Children's Group Leader. Kate Knapek is the Reading Interventionist/MRT at Jarrell Elementary School in Jarrell ISD. She has previously taught Pre-K, 1st and 2nd grades.
To Shelley, we say THANK YOU for your many years of incredible dedication.
To Kate and Edward, another THANK YOU for stepping up!
|
|
Coming in February: Bryan/College Station Support Group
|
TSA of Texas is pleased to announce its NEWEST SUPPORT GROUP - The Brazos Valley TS Support Group, serving Bryan/College Station and surrounding areas.
Premier meeting: Thursday, February 19, 2015
Sheryl Kadmon, Executive Director of TSA of Texas, will speak at this meeting.
Come equipped with all your questions and concerns about TS.
RSVP to: Steve at Brazosvalleytourettes@gmail.com
Location: Peas in a Pod Learning Center
2033 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South
College Station, TX
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Meetings will be held quarterly, are FREE and are open to adults and children with TS, teachers, physicians, school nurses - anyone with an interest in Tourette's. To be placed on the email list for upcoming meetings, contact Steve at Brazosvalleytourettes@gmail.com or Cindy at TouretteTexas@aol.com.
Meet Your Leaders:
Steve Shoemake works for Texas A&M University as a Technology Systems Administrator. He is also an instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Brazos Valley Mixed Martial Arts in College Station.
Stephanie Shoemake is a former Kindergarten and 1st grade Teacher, who has taught in Dallas, Plano and College Station schools. She is currently the Director of Peas in a Pod Learning Center in College Station.
|
|
Camp du Ballon Rouge
| |
Applications will be available ON-LINE starting 2/1/2015 for our
LUCKY 13th annual Camp du Ballon Rouge Weekend
Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19
"To enrich the lives of children diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, through a unique outdoor experience that offers acceptance, provides hope, promotes discovery, and creates the opportunity to establish relationships with others affected by TS" - that's our mission!
Help Sponsor a Child at Camp du Ballon Rouge!
Du Ballon Rouge is the only program of its kind in the country, where Texas children with TS can attend at no cost to the family. The facilities, counselors, nursing staff, physicians, meals, activities and crafts are all provided by TSA of Texas - at a cost of around $350 per child for the weekend - and made possible by donations.
Your tax deductible donation can help us send a happy child to camp.
Please purchase a "virtual red balloon" for only $100.00 to help us continue the magic!
To purchase a virtual balloon and help send a child to camp, CLICK HERE for PayPal or PRINT THIS FORM. |
|
Reason 2 Race: The Perez Brothers
|
Tristan and Hunter Perez, sons of Corpus Christi Support Group Leaders Mary and Rick Perez, are racing in the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon (13.1 miles!) on January 18, 2015. Their goal is to raise at least $2,000 for TSA of Texas! As of this writing, they are closing in on their target, but could use your support. Read their story HERE. These boys are inspiring to us all.
How about YOU? Do YOU want a Reason2Race? You too can help support TSA of Texas when you participate in racing event -- and we make it easy for you to share the word about your event and to collect money for TSA.
|
|
November/December Photo Gallery!
|
Lots of Activity throughout Texas!
Our 19th annual "Tee-Off for Tourette" golf event was held Monday, November 3 in The Woodlands.
Our Holiday Parties are always fun -- especially decorating our traditional graham cracker 'gingerbread' houses.
The TSA of Texas Holiday Tree is in the Main Lobby of the Houston Museum of Natural Science through January 1st. Our theme is "Giving Voice to Tourette's Syndrome."
Michael Conway -- IronMan Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 12/1/2014
Updates from our families:
 | |
Glenn and daughter Katy
|
Katy Y., of Katy, TX, performed her first music recital on piano.
Her chosen piece was "On a Cold and Windy Night".
Katy's teacher is her father, Glenn.
 | |
Claudia and Kitzia
|
Sean Wolfson was recently hired to the NCAA baseball umpire staff and selected as head umpire for the state of Oregon in the Mt Rainier professional baseball League. He also married Claudia in March and they have a beautiful daughter, Kitzia!!
 | |
Ian and Lisa
|
Lisa Henry, Woodlands/North Houston Support Group Leader, hosted an information booth at the Aldine ISD Transition Fair on October 23. Son Ian was an able assistant.
|
|
Tributes ... by Connie Williams
| |
My family and I first became associated with TSA of Texas about 25 years ago when my son, age 10, was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. Like many of you, we received the diagnosis and felt relieved that we had a name for it, but didn't know what to do next. Somehow, either through the neurologist or an online search, (it's been too long to remember,) I found out about TSA and contacted Sheryl Kadmon. She sent me brochures on Tourette and told us about the Support Groups. She was there when we needed answers. Through the years, my parents, along with my husband and I, made donations to help support the great work that TSA of Texas does. They educate people; act as advocates for students at school; provide a free week-end camp for the kids, called Camp du Ballon Rouge; and are always there to give helpful advice, answer questions, and add support; as well as helping TS families in financial need.
A few years ago, I began donating to TSA of Texas in honor of my parents for Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, birthdays, and Christmas. They didn't need, or want anything, so it was a great way to honor them. After my dad passed away in 2012, I continued donating in his memory. On Dec. 5, 2014, my mother passed away from a stroke. I will continue honoring both their memories through donations to TSA of Texas. This was important to them because of the way TS had affected their grandson.
When you're thinking of what to give as gifts, please consider donating to TSA of Texas in honor or memory of your loved ones. Beautiful tribute cards are sent for each donation.
Connie Williams
The TSA of Texas thanks Connie and her entire family for their many years of support!
|
|
Save the Dates
| |
Support Groups DO NOT host January meetings.
Contact your support group leader for information on February meetings.
January 01, 2015
Last chance to view the TSA of Texas Holiday Tree in the Main Lobby of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. All trees will be taken down on 1/2/2015.
January 18, 2015
Tristan and Hunter Perez race in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon for TSA. READ MORE HERE.
January 29, 2015
TSA of Texas GALA Fundraising Event: "Arias & Awareness: Giving Voice to
Tourette's Syndrome."
Our major fundraiser for the entire state. Reception, entertainment, dinner, Live and Silent Auction. Chairmen: Renee and John Hawkins; Honorees Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed; Willie, Gail, Julia, Nicholas and Thomas+ Wood. Reserve your Table or Tickets NOW. Tables of 10 start at only $2,000 and Individual Tickets start at $200. CLICK HERE for information. Cash donations of any size are always welcomed. Items and certificates for Silent Auction are also being accepted. CLICK HERE!
February 10, 2015
Learn about the Research & Treatments of TS with Dr. Cathy Budman. Methodist Healthcare System, San Antonio. READ MORE HERE
February 19, 2015
First meeting of the Brazos Valley - Bryan/College Station TS Support Group.
March 6, 2015
Sheryl Kadmon will speak at Lamar University, Beaumont
March 23-25, 2015
Youth Ambassador Training and Leadership Conference, Arlington, VA. Watch for information about our newest YAs in the next e-newsletter.
April 17- 19, 2015
LUCKY 13th Annual Camp du Ballon Rouge
Visit our Camp page for more information. Applications for our 2015 Camp will be available on-line STARTING 2/1/2015 and MUST be completed and approved by the TSA of Texas office for all children attending, whether new or returning campers. FREE to Texas families -- thanks to the funds raised at Tee-Off, Gala and Targets for Tourette's, as well as the volunteered time and incredible dedication of our dBR physicians, nurses, counselors and staff.
 April 24, 2015 JOIN US at our fourth annual: Targets for Tourette's -- awesome Texas fun! Sporting clay shoot event; gourmet dinner; incredible Live Auction and country & western dancing under the stars to the Tommy Alverson Band. Teams of four shooters, individual shooters and dinner/dance only tickets. Visit our T4T page for photos and details from 2014. Email Cindy at TouretteTexas@aol.com with your mailing address to receive your 2015 invitation via mail. |
|
Texas A&M - Pi Kappa Alpha
|
Huge thanks to Pi Kappa Alpha at Texas A&M and EXTRA THANKS to Chairman Nicholas Wood and to Sponsor Chairman Jason Burow. Nicholas, Jason and the entire fraternity hosted the first annual Texas A&M PKA Targets for Tourette's on October 25 at Tonkaway Ranch in College Station. The well-attended and highly successful event included a sporting clays shoot, a fabulous BBQ lunch (expertly grilled right on the spot by PKA members) and an awesome raffle with fabulous prizes. The event could not have been any better -- the weather was perfect, the attendance complete, the fun contagious and the support for TSA unparalleled.
Thanks again, Nicholas, Jason and Pi Kappa Alpha/A&M!
|
|
Support TSA of Texas While You Shop!
|
Who knew there were so many ways to financially support TSA of Texas
WITHOUT SPENDING ANY EXTRA MONEY?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a portion (0.5%) of the purchase price to TSA! To shop at AmazonSmile simply click here on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to AmazonSmile to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/74-2198940
Join iGive.com -- which has links to hundreds of sites including Neiman Marcus, Gilt, Hilton Hotels and HUNDREDS more -- and link to Tourette's Association Texas - Gulf Coast.
www.iGive.com/TourettesAssociationTexas-GulfCoast
If you purchase groceries at Randalls, Tom Thumb or Kroger,
you can help TSA of Texas every time you shop!
 At Randalls or Tom Thumb, ask the cashier or Courtesy Booth to link your Rewards Card and future purchases to Tourette Syndrome of Association of Texas at #2493. That's it! Our number stays linked to your card unless you cancel it. For Kroger, grab your Kroger Plus card and go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com. Sign in and go to My Account and then to Account Settings. Once there, look to the right and edit "Community Rewards" by putting in #82092 (Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas). This is a NEW system for Kroger, so you MUST re-link this year -- they no longer scan bar codes. This new system is so much easier than you think. However, if you need further assistance, either ask the Kroger Courtesy Booth to help, or email Cindy at TouretteTexas@aol.com for further instructions. These are incredibly easy ways to support TSA of Texas! Ask you family and friends to participate also. There is NO COST to you to do this and TSA truly appreciates every penny we receive!
|
|
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, 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
- PARENT ADVOCACY training.
- SUPPORT GROUPS throughout the state.
- CHILDREN'S WEEKEND camping program "du Ballon Rouge."
- FAMILY ACTIVITIES such as baseball games, museum visits, swim parties, theater outings 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.
|
|
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:
All donations are tax deductible. Learn More>>
|
|
|
|
|
