As part of O, The Oprah Magazine’s January 2020 issue featuring women who live with chronic health conditions, Nikki Burdine shared her story and experiences with Tourette Syndrome.
The 36-year-old was first diagnosed when she was 12. She faced a number of issues in high school, including a vocal tic that often led to her racing out of classrooms in embarrassment, but she was able to get through it with the support of her family and friends.
With their support, Nikki finished college and became a news anchor at WKRN in Nashville, TN. While she has urges to tic during the job, she’s found a way to manage the tics and is proud to represent the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community.
“In my case, I’m no longer embarrassed about having Tourette. I just don’t want it to be a distraction from my job or a reason for people to treat me differently. The truth is, everyone is battling something. My struggle is just a little more obvious.” – Nikki
