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Summer 2015
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Volume 9, Issue 1
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Helping Children and Changing Lives
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Tourette's 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, Tourette's continues to be greatly misunderstood. Although medication may help control the symptoms, as of yet there is no cure. Tourette Texas, one of the largest Chapters of the Tourette Association of America, 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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The Truth about Tourette's and Back-To-School
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PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE!
IF EVERYONE ON OUR MAILING LIST DONATED ONLY $5.00 EACH, WE WOULD HAVE NEARLY $20,000 TO HELP CHILDREN!
It's back to school time! For most kids, there is a sense of anticipation about the year ahead. They look forward to getting new clothes, seeing old friends, starting clubs and sports, and other new opportunities. But for kids with Tourette's, going back to school can bring about lots of other feelings:
Anxiety. Embarrassment. Struggle. Loneliness. Despair.
I hate school. Teachers yell at me to stop making those noises. No one understands me. Other kids think I am doing my tics on purpose to annoy them. I wish I could be invisible.
These are the feelings and frustrations that TS kids face every day. They live with debilitating tics, but also often struggle with OCD, ADD, impulsivity and learning disorders. School often feels like a hostile place where they are constant strangers.
Tourette Texas wants kids to know they aren't alone in their struggle. Tourette Texas is all about giving kids the tools they need to be successful at school and beyond.
We advocate. We educate. We support. We resource. We give kids a weekend away at camp to be themselves. We are here to change the outcome. To change THEIR outcome.
From a Family who has two boys with Tourette's:
The last few years have been difficult for our family. Without the TSA, I would've seriously beaten my head through a wall trying to navigate the school system. Without the TSA of TX my sons would've never know the joys of camping with other kids, just like them. Our family is forever grateful and touched beyond words by their selfless giving and support.
Tourette Texas is the largest Tourette's syndrome chapter in the country with 13 support groups across the state. TSA also educates teachers, provides vital community resources to families, offers financial assistance when it is needed, and most of all they give emotional support so that families don't feel alone.
We need YOUR HELP to change the lives of TS kids. Help us make their school year great with your donation. It only takes a moment to give a gift that can change a kid's life forever. Please click to make a donation today: DONATE TODAY. The end of summer is a difficult time for us financially, but this is the time of year when kids need our help the most. Please partner with us so that we can turn their
Anxiety into Strength
Embarrassment into Confidence
Struggle into Success
Loneliness into Connections
Despair into Hope!
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In Gratitude for Your Support,
Sheryl Kadmon, R.N.
Executive Director, Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas
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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 Tourette's and their siblings while adults meet separately. Tourette Texas support groups in:
To start a support group in your area, please contact us toll free at 866-894-8686.
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Our President - Michael Conway
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 | | Michael Conway |
Normally, you would read an inspiring article by our Tourette Texas President and Camp dBR Director Michael Conway in this space. At this very moment, however, Michael is busy preparing for IRONMAN Boulder in Colorado on Sunday, August 2!
Did you know that Michael Conway raises awareness and money for our Camp du Ballon Rouge through IronMan events?
Here's the scoop from Michael:
If you have the opportunity to give to a child with a disease or disorder, who struggles daily in most aspects of their childhood, please consider giving a child with Tourette Syndrome (and most likely with OCD and/or ADD) the opportunity to experience a weekend camp created specifically for them.
This year, I am participating in Ironman Texas (5/16), Ironman Boulder (8/2), and Ironman Arizona (11/15) to raise funds for Tourette camp (which is tuition free to the campers) to bring awareness of TS (you become aware by hearing me make tic noises on the course!), and to show these kids they can accomplish their desires - regardless of their condition or setbacks. I appreciate your consideration in supporting our Tourette kids and giving them a chance!
To make this easy - please consider gifting just $14 as this coming year will be our 14th annual camp.
Thanks- Michael
Make your $14 (or more!) donation HERE.
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Charity Golf Events
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TWO upcoming golfing events to benefit Tourette Texas!
Monday, October 19, 2015 -- "Takeaway Tourette"
Woodforest Golf Club
1199 Fish Creek Montgomery, TX
Breakfast, Golf, Lunch & Awards
Teams of four players, individual players & Sponsorships currently available.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TAKEAWAY.
REGISTER HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN TAKEWAY.
Monday, November 2, 2015 -- "Tee-Off for Tourette" Willow Fork Country Club -- Exciting NEW Location! 21055 Westheimer Parkway Katy, TX Lunch, golf, dinner, Goodie Bags, Raffle, Auction. Teams of four players are only $560. Participation at all levels is available, starting as low as $125 for a hole sponsorship.
Pay in full by August 31st to receive a 10% discount on
teams & individual players.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!
Unable to attend? Cash donations of any size are always welcomed.
   
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Educational Workshops on Tourette's
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Back to SCHOOL often equals Back to STRESS
for children with Tourette's, their parents and their teachers. To the uninformed, symptoms of Tourette's often seem purposefully disruptive and "disobedient" to teachers. Additionally, tics and associated disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and/or learning disabilities often keep a child from performing to full potential.
Sheryl Kadmon, Executive Director of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas, can help you and others understand this often baffling disorder and help you advocate successfully for your child in school. Learn diagnostic criteria for T.S.; categories and phenomenology of tics; associated disorders, such as OCD and ADHD; pharmacologic and other interventions; educational and social implications of the syndrome; accommodations and modifications for the classroom; and how to help prepare your children and yourself for maximum success in life.
These free workshops are perfect for parents, adults with T.S., family, physicians, nurses, school personnel and teachers - anyone with an interest in learning about T.S.
Visit our website or CLICK on the CITY below for specific location/time details.
Tuesday, August 4 San Antonio
Sunday, August 9 Lubbock
Wednesday, August 12 Katy/Sugar Land
Thursday, August 13 Woodlands/North Houston
Saturday, August 15 Tyler/Longview
Thursday, August 20 Bryan/College Station
Saturday, August 22 Dallas and Fort Worth
Tuesday, September 1 Austin
Sunday, September 27 East Texas/Golden Triangle
These will be HANDS-ON meetings. COME EQUIPPED!
Print out and bring:
"Letter" about YOUR child. See sample HERE and HERE
Tourette Fact Sheet HERE
In-Service Program HERE
Generic Accommodations HERE
Two brown grocery bags
These documents and more are also available in the LIBRARY section of our website.
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Visit Our NEW Website!
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www.TouretteTexas.org
The url may be the same, but we hope you will find the pages easier to navigate and information more plentiful. Check out our LIBRARY of information, see when the next SUPPORT GROUP meeting is in your area, stay current on coming EVENTS.
https://www.facebook.com/TouretteTexas
You can also stay up-to-date at our Facebook page!
@Tourette_Texas
We are starting to tweet! Be sure to follow us.
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Ask The Expert
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TS IS MORE THAN TICS:
UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES & RELATED SYMPTOMS
By Kathy Giordano, Tourette Association Education Specialist and
Margo Edelman, Tourette Association Education Advisory Board Member
Tourette Syndrome (TS) and its related disorders can manifest as behaviors that often appear to be purposefully disruptive, attention seeking or manipulative. Therefore, it is not unusual to misinterpret these neurological symptoms of the disorder as behavioral problems.
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has included Tourette Syndrome under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of "other health impairment." The following statement addresses the common misperceptions of TS:
...we do believe that Tourette syndrome is commonly misunderstood to be a behavioral or emotional condition, rather than a neurological condition. Therefore, including Tourette syndrome in the definition of other health impairment may help correct the misperception of Tourette syndrome as a behavioral or conduct disorder and prevent the misdiagnosis of their needs.1
Students with TS may be punished for symptoms and behaviors that educators assume are disruptive and purposeful. Even an empathetic teacher, who recognizes the student as a child who has abilities may be frustrated because of the difficulties in understanding the cause of the behavior. Ross Greene, PhD, noted psychologist and author of The Explosive Child, writes that, "It is your explanation of the behavior that leads directly to how you respond to it."2 For example, a student with TS may appear to refuse to complete his assignment. One educator may perceive the student as being capable of this task but unwilling, and will, therefore, punish the student. Another educator, who sees this refusal as a sign of his symptoms of the neurological condition, will realize that the student's hesitance towards the assignment is due to his fear of failing, a skills deficit, processing delays, or obsessive compulsive difficulties, etc., and not an indication of defiance or laziness. Thus, the educator's response will be positive and proactive rather than negative and reactive.
Educators are more likely to punish a student who they see as being or causing the problem. If instead the educational team recognizes that the student is struggling due to an underlying problem, they will be more likely to provide unique and creative strategies for that student. When educators consider what they can do for the child and not what they can do to the child, strategies are more positive, proactive and effective.
TOURETTE SYNDROME: BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE!
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Camp du Ballon Rouge
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SAVE THE DATE for our 14th annual Camp du Ballon Rouge Weekend
Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 6, 2016
Applications will be available ON-LINE starting 1/3/2016
"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 with no tuition cost to the family. The facilities, counselors, nursing staff, physicians, meals, activities and crafts are all provided by Tourette 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 or PRINT THIS FORM. |
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Reason 2 Race
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LOOKING FOR A REASON2RACE?
Last year, Tristan and Hunter Perez, sons of Corpus Christi Support Group Leaders Mary and Rick Perez, participated in the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon (13.1 miles!), raising over $2,000 for Tourette Texas. Their fundraising was handled through REASON 2 RACE's Tourette Texas page!
YOU TOO can help support TouretteTexas
as you participate in the racing event of your choice
-- and we'll make it easy for you to share the word about your event and to collect money for TSA.
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January - July Photo Gallery!
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Lots of Activity throughout Texas!
January 29 GALA: "Arias & Awareness: Giving Voice to
Chairmen: Renee and John Hawkins; Honorees Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed; Willie, Gail, Julia, Nicholas and Thomas+ Wood.
April 17 - 19: Lucky 13th Annual Camp du Ballon Rouge Children's Weekend
April 24: 4th Annual Targets for Tourette's Clay Shoot & Dinner
Michael Conway -- Ironman: TRI for TOURETTE'S
Support Groups, Outings and Tourette Texas Meetings
 
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MACY'S -- Shop For A Cause
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FIND THE MAGIC OF GIVING BACK!
Since 2006, Macy's Shop For A Cause Event has partnered with non-profit organizations like ours to raise more than $47 million for ongoing charitable efforts. This is your chance to be part of this monumental event on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at all Macy's nationwide.
Shop For A Cause gives you the opportunity to give back to your community and to help our organization. Purchase a $5 Shopping Pass* from Tourette Texas for exclusive savings in every Macy's store on Saturday, August 29, and we keep 100% of the proceeds to help those in need here in Texas. Plus, you can enter to win a $500 Macy's Gift Card.
Find the magic of giving back, as Macy's celebrates a national day of support for our community.
Upon payment, passes can either be mailed or emailed to you. We accept cash, checks, PayPal and credit cards. Passes will also be available for purchase at Support Group meetings in August.
*Some exclusions and restrictions apply.
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Save the Dates
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August through October:
Tourette Syndrome Presentations Free and informative presentations by Sheryl Kadmon, Executive Director of TSA of Texas.
At Support Group meetings around the state
Tuesday, August 4-San Antonio
Sunday, August 9-Lubbock;
Wednesday, August 12-Katy
Thursday, August 13-Woodlands/North Houston 
Saturday, August 15-Tyler/Longview
Thursday, August 20 -- Bryan/College Station
Saturday, August 22-Dallas (morning) and Fort Worth (evening)
Tuesday, September 1-Austin
East Texas/Golden Triangle - Sunday, September 27
READ MORE in the "EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP" article above
Monday, October 19
Takeaway Tourette - Breakfast,golf, lunch, awards.
Woodforest Golf Club, Montgomery, TX. Teams, single golfers, sponsorships available.
Monday, November 2
Tee-Off for Tourette-21st annual Charity Golf Event - Lunch, golf, dinner, awards, auction.
Willow Fork Country Club, Katy, TX. Teams, single golfers, sponsorships, dinner/auction only tickets all available. CLICK HERE for more information.
Holiday Parties-- Festive gatherings at Support Group meetings around the state.
December 1 - January 2
Tourette Texas "Holiday Tree" in the Main Lobby of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. All trees will be taken down on 1/3/2016.
January 28, 2016
TSA of Texas GALA Fundraising Event: "A Garden Gala: Nipping
Tourette's in the Bud."
Our major fundraiser for the entire state. Details available soon. Reception, entertainment, dinner, Live and Silent Auction. Items and certificates for Auction are also being accepted. CLICK HERE!
March 4 - 6, 2016
14th Annual Camp du Ballon Rouge
Visit our Camp page for more information. Applications for our 2016 Camp will be available on-line STARTING 1/3/2016 and MUST be completed and approved by the Tourette Texas office for all children attending, whether new or returning campers. TUITION FREE to Texas families -- thanks to donations, as well as the volunteered time and incredible dedication of our dBR physicians, nurses, counselors and staff.
 April 15, 2016 JOIN US at our fifth annual: Targets for Tourette's -- awesome Texas fun! Sporting clay shoot event; gourmet dinner; incredible Live Auction and country & western dancing under the stars. Teams of four shooters, individual shooters and dinner/dance only tickets. Visit our T4T page for photos and details from 2015. |
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Support TSA of Texas While You Shop!
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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
Support Tourette Texas through iGive.com. The easiest way is to install the iGive Button, it automatically makes sure that any purchase you make at any of the 1,000+ iGive merchants helps us with a donation. FREE you, donations for US!
Install the iGive Button now: http://www.iGive.com/button
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. Shop at Kroger with your Kroger Plus Card!  Link your Kroger Plus Card to Tourette Association of Texas NPO #82092 starting August 1, 2015, and every time you purchase at Kroger, a percentage will go to the Kroger Community Rewards Fund, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Tourette Texas! If you have already enrolled, please re-enroll starting August 1, 2015 - required by Kroger.
All supporters must have a registered Kroger Plus Card account online to be able to link their card to an organization. Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377 and select option 4 to get your Plus Card number. Register online at www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com. If you are a new online customer, click on SIGN UP TODAY to register.
If you have problems signing in or creating an account please call Kroger Online Account Customer Service: 1-866-221-4141 or email TouretteTexas@aol.com for more information. 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!
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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 Tourette Texas Help You?
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Tourette Texas is here to assist families dealing with TS throughout the state. We offer:
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EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS for physicians, school districts, students, parents and the community.
- INFORMATION DISSEMINATION through 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
- ...and much, much MORE!
Call Tourette 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 know and we will do our best to help.
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How Can You Help Tourette Texas?
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Tourette Texas funds its services through private donations, fundraising events and grant support. We receive no state or federal funding. You can help Tourette Texas and support Texas families dealing with TS by:
All donations are tax deductible. Learn More>>
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