NJ Walks for TS at Princeton to benefit statewide children's scholarship program

WEST WINDSOR – With the debut of NJ Walks for TS at Princeton less than 3 months away, the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) has announced that registration and fundraising for the event is now open.

NJ Walks for TS at Princeton will take place Sunday, April 6, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. On-site registration and pre-registered check-in will commence at 1 p.m. that day, with the walk kicking off at 2 p.m. Walkers and runners of all ages and abilities are welcomed and encouraged to sign up as individuals or as part of a team.

This event, which developed from the success of NJ Walks for TS at Mendham, exists to support the NJCTS Children’s Scholarship Program – which over the past 10 years has awarded more than 200 scholarships to graduating New Jersey high school seniors affected by Tourette Syndrome. Each scholarship recipient is selected for his or her academic achievement, community service and accomplishments as an individual with TS.

Tourette Syndrome is an inherited, misunderstood, misdiagnosed neurological disorder characterized by involuntary sounds and movements known as tics that affects 1 in 100 children in schools all over New Jersey.  One such student, upon receiving an NJCTS Children’s Scholarship award in 2009, wrote the Center, saying, “This is the first time in my life I have ever been recognized in a positive way for having Tourette Syndrome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

And that, according to NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice, is precisely why the NJCTS Children’s Scholarship Program and NJ Walks for TS at Princeton exists.

“Children living with TS need to be recognized and encouraged for their unique talents, and the NJCTS Children’s Scholarship Program does just that.  It is the only program of its kind in the nation,” Rice said. “It’s unique. It’s vital. It’s in need of your support. And jumping on board as a participant, donor and/or fundraiser for NJ Walks for TS at Princeton is an excellent way to show that support.”

The impetus behind bringing the NJ Walks for TS program to the Princeton is 14-year-old Plainsboro resident Tess Kowalski, who has been a youth advocate for NJCTS since 2011.

“I’m excited to be a part of NJ Walks for TS at Princeton and look forward to seeing my family, friends, members of the Tourette Syndrome community and the general public come out to support TS and the NJCTS Children’s Scholarship Program on April 6,” Kowalski said. “It’s going to be a great day!”

More information about NJ Walks for TS at Princeton and the NJCTS Children’s Scholarship Program is available by calling 908-575-7350 or by visiting www.njcts.org. NJCTS will open up the nomination process for 2014 scholarships by February 1.