Our son Jonah was six-years-old when he was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (a rare disorder and neurological condition characterized by unwanted movements, noises and words). We remember the ​day he​ received the diagnosis--it was the day our life changed--it was also the day all of the challenges Jonah was experiencing finally made sense.

During the next few years we tried many therapies, saw multiple doctors and trialed numerous medications in our attempts to help Jonah. By the time he was in fourth grade we had already spent thousands of dollars on schooling, behavioral management, second opinions, biofeedback and tutoring. We had to tap into the college fund we established when he was born to help cover the expenses.
At one point we asked ourselves where we would draw the line. We knew we couldn’t continue to drain our financial resources with every suggested therapy to calm Jonah and his noises, movements, restlessness, anxiety and vocalizations. 

We were saddened to realize that Jonah and many others like him may not have the financial resources for college so we came up with the idea of starting a college scholarship fund dedicated to California students with Tourette Syndrome.  We knew these students needed acknowledgement for working hard, overcoming personal setbacks, rising above educational challenges and bullying.   Although Jonah cannot become a recipient of our scholarship fund, we are happy to have found a way to help provide relief and motivation to other families in similar situations in Jonah's honor.

Our non profit is called ScholasTIC Tourette’s Supporters. We achieved our 501(c)3 status on August 12, 2015 and because all of our efforts are supported by volunteers; 100% of the donations we receive are distributed as scholarships to college bound high school students in California diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.  We awarded our first scholarships to two very special teens last year.  Both Angel and Loren received $1,000 each. Here's a little background: 

Angel graduated from the East Hills Academy High School in Chula Vista in June.   He was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of five but didn’t let the symptoms overcome his ability to achieve. He graduated from high school with a 3.86 GPA and as the Student Body President.  He is now attending Southwestern Community College.  He is working on obtaining certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and his dream is to become a Fire Fighter

Loren attended Westmoreland Academy and is currently enrolled at Pierce College.  He is studying animation, visual effects and computer science.  We recently checked in on Loren and he had this to say, "receiving this scholarship helped tremendously with giving my freshman year at college a good start. It helped to cover things that the federal aid did not, such as living expenses. The process of applying and subsequently receiving the scholarship was very easy, and the staff was very professional and helpful at all times. I'm so grateful for the assistance afforded to me, and I encourage all those who qualify to apply."
In both cases the award money was placed in accounts at the colleges to be used toward tuition, books and other school related needs.

This year our goal is to distribute four scholarships ($1,000 each) and we can achieve it by raising $2,000 thanks to a generous challenge grant being offered by long-time Tourette Syndrome advocates and philanthropists, Paul and Anne Devore. 

The Devore's will match every donation made to ScholasTIC Tourette’s Supporters dollar for dollar (up to $2,000) during National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month (May 15th - June 15th).                

We hope you will please consider joining us by giving NOW--while you can DOUBLE your impact.  Every dollar counts, no contribution is too large or too small.  Make your gift TODAY and help California teens like Angel and Loren succeed in college and in life. Just knowing someone cares can help them get over the next hurdle and remind them that they are so much more than their Tourette Syndrome diagnosis.