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Legacy of Princeton teen is growing with 2nd annual awareness event

NJ Walks for TS at Princeton returns to Mercer County on Sunday, March 29. The 5K walk/family fun run will take place at Mercer County Park (East Picnic Area) in West Windsor. The second annual walk is growing, and teen Tess Kowalski of Plainsboro is at the center of what promises to be a powerful day.

NJ Walks for TS originated in 2010 in Morris County, and last year the 15-year-old and her father, Tim, brought NJ Walks to the Princeton area. This year, she leads an impressive Honorary Committee and Youth Co-Chairs.

This year’s Honorary Committee will be co-chaired by District 14 Senator Linda Greenstein and Assemblyman Daniel Benson. They are joined by District 7 Senator Dianne B. Allen and Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr., and Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert. This list is expected to grow.

“Their support means so much to NJCTS and the 20,000 kids with Tourette Syndrome in New Jersey,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice said.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary vocal or muscle movements known as tics. TS is frequently accompanied by ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression or learning disorders. As many as 1 in 100 people show signs of TS, however, the disorder remains misunderstood and misdiagnosed in the medical community. Proceeds from NJ Walks will benefit the Education Outreach Programs of NJCTS which train health-care professionals, educators and students across the state.

“Each dollar will make a difference in helping us improve diagnosis, treatment and life for kids with TS and their families,” Rice said. “We are also working in schools to spread an effective anti-bullying message of awareness and acceptance that benefits all students and training a new generation of youth leaders, but we can’t do it without support.”

“You don’t have to know about it [TS] to walk,” but should, said Tess, “because it feels good, it’s a nice thing to do.”

Just like the Honorary Committee, the NJ Walks for TS at Princeton Youth Co-Chairs are also spreading the word. In addition to Tess, the Youth Co-chairs include, Ethan Lederman of Howell, Hallie Hoffman of Belle Mead, and Anna Heicklen of Medford Lakes.

Register for the walk here, and donate for the walk here. For more information, please visit www.njcts.org.

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