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.
