Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation, Inc.


Donate Now

MISSION

The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation, Inc. (BCTF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) to help children who have Tourette syndrome learn how to exist in the real world with others who don’t understand. We support the socialization, achievement, and education of those with Tourette syndrome and the non-profit/tax-exempt organizations that focus on the needs of those with Tourette syndrome.

VISION

Our vision is to challenge perceptions and embrace differences so every child with Tourette syndrome has a chance to follow their dreams.

HISTORY

Brad Cohen just wanted to be treated like everyone else. But growing up with Tourette syndrome presented challenges that caused him to be different. Loud noises and funny faces is what the outside world saw, but on the inside was a motivated and determined child who was ready to show others that just because your different or have some sort of disability, you can still be successful.

Brad’s dream was to be a teacher, the kind of teacher he never had. With the support of his family and friends he strived for his goal. After 25 interviews and proving to others that he could be an effective teacher despite having Tourette syndrome, Brad was hired as a second grade teacher. He went on to be the First Class Teacher of the Year for the state of Georgia.

Brad has also been active in the community always having a passion for the underdog, the child who didn’t have a voice. He has been involved with others with Tourette syndrome being a role model for showing them to follow their dreams. Brad decided to write a book about his experiences titled: Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had. This book was named the Education Book of the Year and went on to be featured in People Magazine. Brad was featured on Oprah and started motivating others as he traveled the country speaking to groups as a keynote speaker at events across the country.

Soon Brad’s story got in the hands of Hallmark Hall of Fame where they filmed the movie Front of the Class which aired on CBS. 12 million viewers watched Brad’s story which is now available on DVD.

Brad knew his story was making a difference but he wasn’t done. He always enjoyed going to camp because he was able to be himself and focus on his strengths. He had friends. He felt free. This is the opposite feeling he had in the classroom where his teachers made him as an outcast kicking him out of class often and be bullied by other students. With this in mind, Brad knew that camp experiences and extracurricular activities are a place for kids with challenges to shine. He wanted there to be a camp for kids with Tourette’s. Brad started a 1 week over camp for kids with Tourette’s but it didn’t last because of funding. Years later Brad was able to help start Camp Twitch and Shout.

But quickly Brad knew he wasn’t done because some kids were not able to attend because of financial reasons. This is when Brad decided the Foundation needed to be started. It is his goal to raise enough money to allow any child who wants to attend a camp for kids with Tourette syndrome to not be denied for financial reasons. At the same time, Brad would also like to raise money to help fund other programs, conferences, educational experiences, etc to help make a difference in the Tourette community.

Brad may not be able to save the world, but he will come close with your help. It is his goal to make a difference one day at a time. Brad again has a dream that his Foundation will help make dreams come true for others with Tourette syndrome as he challenges people’s perceptions and embraces differences within communities across the country.

Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation

Donate Now

There are 2 ways to donate:

  1. Make a check out to: “The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation, Inc.”
    Send to:
    Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation, Inc.
    885 Woodstock Road, Suite 430 – #354
    Roswell, Georgia 30075-2274

    678-561-BCTF (2283)
    www.bradcohentourettefoundation.com

  2. Online donations: DONATE NOW!

Donor Levels

$10,000 Diamond

$5,000 Platinum

$2,500 Gold

$1,000 Silver

$500 Angel

$250 Cornerstone

$100 Patron

$50 Friend

  • All those who donate will receive our newsletter
  • All donations are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3)

Projects We Support So Far

CAMP TWITCH AND SHOUT

A one week overnight camp for children ages 7-17 with Tourette syndrome. Located at Camp Will-A-Way outside Atlanta, GA in partnership with Camp Twin Lakes. Here children are able to go and enjoy the camping experiences without fear of being different. Many of these kids have difficult times making friends while others have never met someone with Tourette syndrome.

At camp the children focus on their strengths and enjoy positive experiences so when they return home and struggle in the real world, they will be able to look back at all the things they were able to accomplish at camp and say, “I can find success because I was successful at Camp Twitch and Shout.”

One camper stated, “I wake up every morning thinking that I’m one day closer to camp.”

Learn more about Camp Twitch and Shout by visiting www.camptwitchandshout.com

Board of Directors

President
Brad Cohen
brad@classperformance.com

Treasurer
Norman Cohen

Secretary
Todd Malloy

Coming Soon

  • Newsletter
  • Fundraisers
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Educational Resources

How Can You Help The BCTF?

We are looking for help in the following areas:

  1. Website design and development
  2. Grant opportunities
  3. Newsletter development
  4. Fundraising ideas and helpers to organize
  5. Database development
  6. Any other ideas you have that may help us out. Please share!

Our Supporters

Thank you for your in kind donations:

  1. Norman and Diane Cohen for helping to start up the Foundation
  2. Jaime Wender and Bright Orange, LLC
  3. Rosenthal and Kaplin, P.C.-Certified Public Accountants
  4. Brandon Checketts for Web Support

MOTORCYCLE RIDE IN GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA

Get ready for the Twitch, Shout and Ride for Tourette Kids on Saturday April 24th. You have two options in how you can participate.

1) You may join us in Gainesville, GA and participate with other motorcycle riders from the area to support this great cause. Lunch and a T-Shirt will be included in the $30 registration fee. You may also join us to hear Brad Cohen speak after the ride.
2) You may join us for Brad Cohen’s presentation and lunch for the price of $10 per person.

Choose which option is best for you and register and pay online. Riders please tell us your T-Shirt size during the registration.

Select Desired T-Shirt Size

























Testimonials
"Brad Cohen is a walking billboard for the idea of living positively. He is like a cold drink on a hot day--refreshing, energizing, and likely to put a smile on your face."
Tim Shriver - Chairman of Special Olympics

"I have observed the magic of Brad Cohen in the classroom. He has turned Tourette Syndrome into an asset, and his life into inspiration."
Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia

"Brad Cohen's story is a triumph of hope, determination, will and relentless good humor."
Peter J. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Professor and
Associate Head of Biological Sciences,
Purdue University


Join Our Mailing List