Hi, I’m Angie and normally you’d see or hear from me on our phone lines or emails on behalf of My Buddy Gard spruiking the benefits of our personal GPS Tracker watches and pendants.
Today, on International Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day I am here as a personal supporter of the Tourette’s community.
My son’s Ninja coach for many years is one of the Australian Ambassadors, James Sayers aka Ninja Twitch. James and my son appeared in the 2022 Australian Ninja Warrior Series as coach and pupil. James is an incredibly inspirational mentor to lots of children (and adults) in the Ninja community and of course, the Tourette’s community as he fills the room with energy, encouragement and passion. Over the years he has become a good friend.
Luke, James and myself with our Ninja Twitch shirts
My association with the Tourette’s Association community doesn’t end there…
My husband was involved in the documentary ‘Me and My Tourette’s’ on SBS.
And we’ve gotten to know lots of the community including Elisa De Groot, Vice President, who I first met at the Development Australian Communities expo. Elisa is dedicated to helping all those affected by Tourette’s including their families navigate life and get the education and help they need to thrive in what can be a challenging space. The world needs more Elisa’s!!!
I now seek out the Tourette’s Association members at all the expos I go to. In Sydney a few weeks ago I ran into Haze again, a lovely young person living with Tourette’s and gifted them one of our My Buddy Gard hats. They attend most of the expos to create awareness around this neurological disorder. It’s wonderful to see a young person donate their time for the good of their community!
Me and Haze at the Disability Connection Expo Sydney, last May.
Me and Elisa De Groot of Developing Australian Communities at the DCE Expo Sydney, May 2024
So, here’s some stats and a request from this community:
1 in 100 kids are diagnosed with some form of Tourette’s.
People often associate Tourette’s with outbursts of swearing but it’s much much more than that. It can involve physical tics that are painful.
There is no cure however through medication, education and them learning coping mechanisms they can ease their symptoms.
In fact, their tagline is Awareness. Empathy. Inclusivity. Acceptance.
And this is where you guys come in….
This awareness campaign and the main point of this week is to make aware but also encourage empathy, foster inclusivity and also accept those you come into contact with, their tics and idiosyncrasies are normal.
From my experience, people with Tourette’s are pretty open about their condition and have a good sense of humour. However, no one likes to be stared at, misdiagnosed or frowned upon due to their uncontrollable behaviour. And this is why education and understanding are needed in the wider community.
Do you know anyone with Tourette’s? It’s surprisingly more common than you think.
And if you feel strongly enough, we’d love a small donation so that camps, education and guidance can continue for this young community.