The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) is proud to congratulate Tommy Licato, recognized by WMGQ 98.3 as a “Kid who Makes Magic.”
The radio station honors local youth who are making a difference in their community. Licato, of South Plainfield, has demonstrated a sincere desire to use his experiences living with Tourette Syndrome (TS) to help others. As an New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome Youth Advocate, Tommy has been trained to lead peer in-services, present medical training alongside experts in the treatment of TS and mentor younger kids facing a new diagnosis.
In addition, Licato has spent countless hours fundraising and performing acts of advocacy to bring awareness and support to TS, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary sounds or movements known as tics.
“I choose to educate people about TS because I don’t want people going through the bad experiences I did,” said Licato, who suffered bullying from classmates who didn’t understand his disorder, “Educating my peers changed my life for the better and I want to give another person with TS that same feeling.”
“Tommy has been a great part of what we do,” said NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice, “We’re very proud of him and the good work he is doing on behalf of the 1 in 100 children in NJ living with this disorder.”
Licato was nominated by Nancy Toeltl, a lifelong family friend. He and the other children and teens selected as Magic 98.3’s “Kids who Make Magic” will receive a special gift and enjoy a night of fun at iPlay America in Freehold.
