Participants Came from Across the Nation to Walk 5k – Raising Awareness and Funds for the Tourette Association of America in the Nonprofit Organization’s Signature Teal Color
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- Walkers crossing the finish line at the Tourette Syndrome Awareness Walk in Queens on Sunday, May 21st
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- 2017 TAA Youth Ambassador Alexandro Herrera and his brother Brian completing the Awareness Walk in Queens
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- TAA President and CEO John Miller with Family
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- TAA President and CEO John Miller initiating the Tourette Syndrome Awareness Walk with the teal ribbon cutting ceremony
Image Credit: Tourette Association of America.
Press Release – Queens, New York – May 23, 2017 – On Sunday, May 21, a sea of teal washed over Flushing Meadows Corona Park as families, children and even dogs gathered for the Tourette Association of America (TAA)’s 6th Annual Awareness Walk. There was laughter from start to finish as participants warmed up with line dances and Zumba and as Chelsea White, comedian and host of MTV’s Girl Code, emceed from a stage surrounded by teal balloons.
TAA President and CEO John Miller initiated the Annual Awareness Walk/5k with a teal ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by an informative scavenger hunt in which walkers gathered facts about Tourette Syndrome (TS) throughout the park for a raffle to win prizes. The finish line promised more line dances for the families and face painting for the kids.
“One out of every one hundred school-aged children in the United States has TS or another Tic Disorder, which is why the Annual Awareness Walk/5k is so important for our Association, which provides resources for families and funds research and Centers for Excellence at major medical centers around the country,” said John Miller during his introductory speech. “By raising money and awareness for Tourette Syndrome, we are helping a community of people who support a better world for all people on the Tourette and Tic Disorder spectrum.”
The Tourette Awareness Walk/5k is the organizations largest fundraising event to support the diverse needs of the Tourette and Tic Disorder community. Their work is powered by volunteers and parents of children with Tourette, generating funds that drive innovative research and make connections to critical lifelong supports and services.
“My experience with the Walk has changed my life,” says Alexandro Herrera, a 15 year-old TAA Youth Ambassador and Brooklyn Resident. “Being at the TAA Walk with other kids and families with Tourette from around the country not only provided me with a sense of comfort but is critical in helping our community find the answers we need for a cure.”
The Tourette Awareness Walk/5k sponsors included Astoria Bank and Investors Foundation Bank.
About the Tourette Association of America
Founded in 1972, the TAA is dedicated to making life better for all individuals affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders. The premier nationwide organization serving this community, the Association works to raise awareness, advance research and provide on-going support. The TAA directs a network of 32 Chapters and support groups across the country. For more information on Tourette and Tic Disorders, call 1-888-4-TOURET and visit us at tourette.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
