Dear Friend,
A story recently came across my desk that I wanted to highlight. A mother was writing a letter to her young daughter and I thought we could all take away something very important. Part of the clip reads:
“You were created with extra sparkles, bubbles, and quirk and you will change the world around you, for the better. Although I’ve often received messages from you, during school, looking for comfort because others are asking you to stop something you can’t help (which is the scariest part of this diagnosis and makes me sad about any lack of empathy you may have to face from others throughout your life), YOU are already so strong, intelligent, brave, resilient, and loving. The example we all need. Your voice will grow as you learn to explain your differences, and we know you will master it. You’re already so eager to share and raise awareness. We will always be by your side rooting for you.”
In the honest and open letter to her child, what resonated most with me is: we will always be by your side rooting for you. While the hustle and bustle of the day continues, the work the TAA is doing is for each of you. We are inspired by you. We are always learning from you. We are here for you, giving the support you need. The spring affords ample opportunities to get connected and involved from free or low-cost programs such as Virtual Conference, our Provider Webinar Series, Miles for Tourette and more. Next month will kick-off Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month and you can look forward to fun and engaging ways to join us in raising awareness.
Throughout life’s peaks and valleys, you can find the TAA as a home for resources, information, support services, and community. Get involved with an event, find local support, share your story, and join us as we march on towards our upcoming 50th year anniversary. With your participation, we are headed to new heights together, and I am truly excited about that.
Gratefully,
High-Ranking Native American Federal Employee Joins TAA Board
[Awareness]
The TAA is committed to working alongside the diverse groups amongst the TS and Tic Disorder community. In this regard, we are pleased to announce that Jerry Gidner has joined the TAA’s Board of Directors.
Jerry, a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe, has Tourette Syndrome and has served throughout the U.S. Department of the Interior in a variety of capacities. He feels that Tourette has made him a better leader and ready to be a role model for future generations.
Research Symposium at Virtual Conference
[Research]
The Research Symposium at the TAA Virtual Conference will feature in-depth scientific presentations by TAA Young Investigators, early career researchers who invest their efforts and expertise in increasing our scientific understanding of the biological cause and/or treatment of TS and Tic Disorders.
In addition, the symposium’s featured speaker is Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, a Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University. His session will provide an overview of recent research discoveries and a look into the future of TS research.
Miles for Tourette
[Support]
Get up and get active! Throughout Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, connect with people around the globe for this special virtual movement to raise awareness and funds in support of the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community.
Join Team Tourette for the Miles for Tourette Kick Off event and then take part in fun physical activities and share your journey on social media with the hashtags #MilesforTourette and #TeamTourette.
Expanding Telehealth Coverage after the Pandemic
[Public Policy]
The TAA is working to help promote the continued and expanded reimbursement of telehealth services beyond the pandemic. Telehealth allows patients to reduce travel time and costs, and it can also increase access to specialists.
If you have utilized telehealth for treatment of your TS and co-occurring conditions, having personal stories and examples to share is very useful for us in our advocacy efforts. If you are willing to tell your story to help further our advocacy, please share your success story with us.
What's Happening
[News & Events]
- 4/21/21: Education Professional Webinar Series: Instructional Teaching Strategies to Support Students with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD, Anxiety, and Executive Function Needs*
- 4/22/21: Helping School-Age Youth with Tourette’s Disorder Develop Organizational, Time Management, and Planning Skills in class and online
- 4/27/21: TAA Bingo Night
- 4/29/21: FB Live: Bringing the “Passion, Purpose and Possibility” to Tic Disorders
- 4/30/21 – 5/2/21: Pittsburgh Marathon
- 5/4/21: Navigating Romantic Relationships
- 5/4/21: Miles for Tourette Kick Off
- 5/14/21 – 5/16/21: Virtual Conference
- 5/15/21 – 6/15/21: Miles for Tourette
- 5/19/21: Positive and Proactive Supports for Challenging Behaviors associated with Tourette Syndrome and Co-Occurring conditions
- 5/26/21: Recognizing Re-Entry Anxiety in a Post-Pandemic World
- Click below to see all upcoming events
* In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and Tourette Association of America, Inc. (TOU). Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
