Archive for the ‘tourette syndrome’ Category

Come out and have a fun time as we raise money to support the programming needs for children with Tourette Syndrome across the United States.

June 4, 2016

Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Hotel

Casino Night Fun

* Play Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em, Craps and More

* Dinner, Cash Bar, Silent Auction and Raffle

For more information, visit www.TSCasinoNight.com

CASINO NIGHT SCHEDULE

6:30-7:00pm Cocktails and Cash Bar Open

7:00-7:30pm Welcome by Brad Cohen and Highlights of the Foundation

7:30-10:15pm Casino Open and Dinner Served

10:15-10:30pm Casino Closed and Raffle Begins

I’ve known about Tim Howard for several years. I’ve followed his career both in the United States and overseas. He’s always been a great role model and an excellent soccer player.

It was exciting for me to see he would be returning as the leader of the United States Soccer Team because he is one of the best goalies in the world. On Thursday, he proved that again. What’s really funny is that people around the world have known about his greatness for some time……but for us in the United States who are not big soccer fans, we have just figured it out.

Tim’s story is an excellent reminder about what makes America great. We love the underdog story. We love to find the best in people even when they are not on top. I love seeing that Tim has become a household name across America even though we lost the soccer game to Belgium. That’s kind of neat.

And on top of all of his success……oh, by the way, he has Tourette Syndrome!

Tim Howard grew up with Tourette’s in a similar way that I did. We both were diagnosed at a young age. We both had good support systems in place. We both made the best out of the situations we were put in. We both found success in something and showed others our true strengths and talents. We both have become role models for thousands of kids and adults who are living with Tourette Syndrome every day.

It is exciting to see so many kids with Tourette Syndrome stand up and be proud to have Tourette’s for just a moment. In some kind of weird way, it is cool to have Tourette’s right now, because Tim Howard, our great goalie has it too. And even though this moment for most people will only be short lived, the power that will come from this one moment will last a lifetime.

We will see kids with Tourette’s have more self-confidence, persevere through tough times, and feel at ease to talk about their Tourette’s to others because they now know that others are aware of Tim Howard and Tourette Syndrome. I know life just became easier for a lot of people with Tourette Syndrome because of Tim’s success.

For that, I salute Tim Howard for being the great person and role model that he has always been.

Cheers, Brad

Watch this short video that shares some highlights from the 2014 Atlanta Tourette Syndrome Conference.

Over 120 people attended from 17 different states and 3 different countries.
We thank all of our sponsors, speakers and those in attendance for making this weekend a huge success!

Click here to check out our wonderful sponsors for this event!

For more information about the conference, visit www.tourettesyndromeconference.com

For many, the holidays are a time to be with family and friends to celebrate. For others, it is a time to shop till you drop and give and receive presents. But for children with special needs, specifically Tourette syndrome, the holiday time can be very difficult. The stress level and excitement that happens between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be tough for both adults and children.

So, what should others expect from a person with TS? And what should the person with TS expect?

A few things you need to remember:
1) People with Tourette syndrome develop more symptoms when they are excited or under stress. The holiday season could bring on more tics than usual. They could happen more frequently or new tics could come on.
2) Try to keep to the routines for your kids and students as much as possible. Go to bed on time, keep meals around the same time, keep homework and other after school activities similar to the rest of the year.
3) Watch your diet. Too much caffeine, chocolate, drinks, etc could cause changes to your life. Keep your diet in check during these tough weeks as everyone stuffs themselves with yummy food. Keep a balance.
4) Find a way to relax. If it is reading a book, getting on the computer to email, taking a walk or writing in your journal, find time to “get away.” This will allow your body to regulate itself. Overall, try not to overstimulate yourself during this already crazy time period.
5) Celebrate and enjoy the time you will have with family and friends. Sometimes throughout the year, life can be tough. So, kick back and enjoy the good times so when you have a tough day down the road, you can look back on the weeks you had positive memories to help you get through whatever may come your way.

And if all else fails, go read the book or watch the movie, Front of the Class. It can never hurt to hear my story again.

Cheers, Brad Cohen

Today, I had a little girl email me a simple question: How do you live with Tourette syndrome….with all the people saying stuff?

She went on to tell me she received the movie Front of the Class, and it was the best thing she got for Christmas.

It was just a simple reminder that kids are still figuring out the game of life. So with that, I remind everyone what has helped me overcome the challenges of living with Tourette syndrome. I hope these ideas help others move forward to follow their dreams.

1) Keep that positive attitude
2) Focus on your strengths…….show the world what makes you shine
3) Educate everyone who will listen and tell them about Tourette syndrome and the challenges you face
4) Never give up……every time someone tells you that you can’t do something, prove them wrong! Show them not only can you do it, but you can do it better than others
5) Surround yourself with people who believe in you
6) Don’t make excuses, because the first excuse will lead to another, after another, after another
7) Find your passion in life and go for it
8 Last but not least……….Don’t let Tourette syndrome win! Don’t allow any of your weaknesses in life get the best of you!

While we are talking about Tourette Syndrome, you can help support the National Tourette Syndrome Association by clicking on the link below and vote to help them win $1 million in the Chase Community Giving Contest. Spread the word. Each person gets five votes and be sure to place one with TSA. Thanks for the support!

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/744837

Don’t forget, Front of the Class will be on CBS the evening of February 6, 2010.

You can also learn more about the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation, Inc at www.bradcohentourettefoundation.com

Cheers, Brad

Click here to read the article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Click here to see the photos from the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Click here to see the article in the Athens, Georgia newspaper

Click here to see the piece on CNN

Click here to see Camp Twitch and Shout photos taken by Troy Burns from Karen Burns Photography.

It starts out as an idea, then a dream, and with a lot of hard work it becomes a reality. Camp Twitch and Shout
 just completed its 1st Annual overnight camp for children with Tourette Syndrome. During this week, 50 campers and over 35 volunteers had a chance to enjoy the Camp Will-A-Way location of Camp Twin Lakes. Although the camp is located about 1 hour outside of Atlanta, Georgia, people came from across the US to attend.

The children did swimming, drumming, nature, tree climbing, ropes course activities, climbing walls, zip lines, swinging from 50 feet in the air, and made friends with others who were very much like them.

At Camp Twitch and Shout, we wanted the kids to be treated like any other child. We didn’t focus on TS, we just allowed them to be kids.

This week allowed the children to gain independence, be risk takers, be social, and focus on their strengths. Overall, the week was a huge success.

I’m so excited that Jimmy Wolk, who played me as an adult in my movie Front of the Class was able to come volunteer for the week. The group was so excited to meet him.

A big thank you to Hailey my co-director and Tricia the head of the Tourette Syndrome Association of GA for all their hard work. An even bigger thank you to all of the volunteers who dedicated 1 week of their lives to make a difference for our children. And the biggest thank you goes to the campers and their families for trusting us with their kids at Camp Twitch and Shout.

We are already getting ready for next year so get your name on the list if you are interested in helping out in the summer of 2010.

If you are interested in making a donation to the camp to help us with camper scholarships and keeping our costs down, I’d love to chat with you.

You will be able to learn more about Camp Twitch and Shout at www.camptwitchandshout.com

Also find us on facebook or my website!

Enjoy these photos from Camp Twitch and Shout. Thanks to Troy from www.karenimages.com for most of the photos.

Cheers
Brad

Save the date: Twitch and Shout Adventure Week- May 31 – June 5, 2009 with Camp Twin Lakes at Camp Will-A-Way

The Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia is hosting a 1 week overnight camp for kids with Tourette Syndrome ages 7-17. We are also seeking volunteers ages 18 and older to help out for the week. The location is about 1 hour outside of Atlanta. I will be one of the organizers of the event and I will also be attending for the week.

Click here to learn more about this amazing opportunity!

This week will give children living with Tourette Syndrome an opportunity to enjoy camp activities and meet others with TS. There are many kids who will attend this camp who have never met another person with Tourette’s. It is our goal for kids to be kids and feel like they are not alone dealing with this disorder.

All Tourette children are welcomed and there are scholarships available for kids from Georgia. This will be one week they will never forget!

Please help me spread the word about this great opportunity for kids.

Again, click here to learn more about the camp. You will also see applications on this site if you are ready to sign up now.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Cheers