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New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) has announced that Sarah Ethridge, Tommy Licato, and Erin Miskell will serve as youth co-chairs for NJ Walks for TS at Mendham, the 5th annual 5K walk and family fun run on Saturday, November 15, 2014 in Mendham, New Jersey.
Ethridge, of Chatham, and Licato, of South Plainfield, are high school students who participate in the NJCTS Education Outreach Program, a youth advocacy network that trains kids with TS to present to students, teachers, and medical professionals. They are joined by Miskell, of Nutley, a 5th-grader who has organized a participating team in the event since its inception. All proceeds from the Walk support the NJCTS Education Outreach Program.
About the Co-Chairs
Sarah Ethridge is a senior at Chatham High School. In addition to her work as NJCTS Youth Advocate, she is a trained singer who will perform the National Anthem at the Walk. She has spent months inviting walkers, runners, and teams to the November 15th event. “The benefits from the programs funded by the Walk extend across the state and throughout the year,” said Ethridge. “We’re all busy, but I encourage everyone to give just one day to an event that produces a great return for our kids and families.”
Tommy Licato is a sophomore at South Plainfield High School who organizes fundraisers and awareness events for TS and was recently named a “Kid Who Makes Magic” by Magic 98.3 FM. He advises Walk participants to start with family and friends to form a team or ask for donations. “It’s easier when you ask people to participate with you,” said Licato. “As for donations, every one helps this important cause.”
Erin Miskell, of Nutley, is a creative 5th grader who, at age 11, has been at the heart of “Team E,” a team of family and friends that has participated in every Mendham walk since its first year in 2010. “I’m excited to help raise awareness about TS to help other kids,” said Miskell. “The Walk is a great way to encourage others to come out and have fun while they’re doing something good.”
About the Program
NJCTS Youth Advocates are trained to present to peers, educators, and medical professionals to foster understanding about Tourette Syndrome (TS), a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements or sounds known as tics. TS is frequently accompanied by ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities. More than 20,000 children in New Jersey, or 1 in every 100, are estimated to show symptoms of TS.
Student presenters may or may not have TS or an associated disorder themselves, but all have first-hand experience through a family member or friend. Student-led in-service presentations are appropriate for all age groups and can be used in the school setting, for sports leagues, scout troops, camps, or after-school programs.
The program includes statewide education outreach and peer advocacy programs; on-site school in-service presentations to teachers, students and other education professionals; and to doctors, nurses and medical students through the NJCTS Patient-Centered Medical Education program delivered to hospitals throughout the state.
About NJ Walks for TS at Mendham
Since the first NJ Walks for TS at Mendham in 2010, walkers and runners from across the region have participated in this popular event at Mendham Borough Park in Mendham.
Walkers and runners can register to participate as individuals, families, or as members of a team. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available. For registration and sponsorship information, visit the NJCTS website at www.njcts.org or call NJCTS at 908-575-7350.
