Local 10-Year-Old Raises More than $2,000 for Tourette Syndrome

As many as 1 in 100 school-aged children live with Tourette Syndrome (TS) or another tic disorder, including 10-year-old Jameson Dougherty of Newfoundland.

For the second year in a row, Jameson is participating in NJ Walks for TS, a virtual event supporting the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, based in Somerville. Kids, teens and adults throughout New Jersey are creating teams with the goal to spread awareness about Tourette Syndrome, the often misunderstood and misdiagnosed neurological disorder. Teams can walk wherever and whenever they like during April and May.

Jameson and his team, Team Jamo, chose to return to South Mountain Reservation in West Orange on April 7, where 45 friends, family, classmates, teachers and Boy Scouts joined him for the 5K walk around the reservoir.

His school, Paradise Knoll Elementary School, also held a walk on April 5 to support Jameson.

“Classmates made signs and a large banner in the gym for him,” said his mom, Alicia Braine Dougherty. “Since it was raining, every student, teacher and staff member walked the halls chanting and high fiving Jameson in support of his upcoming walk. It was an incredible show of support and acceptable by his teachers and classmates.”

Jameson and his team have raised more than $2,200 for the campaign, but there is still time to donate. The top five team captains will be invited to the New Jersey State House for a special presentation in celebration of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day.

“You cannot put a price on the awareness that are youngest advocates bring to Tourette Syndrome,” said Faith Rice, Executive Director of NJCTS. “The acceptance and encouragement they receive from their classmates helps all children know that they are not alone, whatever their diagnosis may be.”

Proceeds from the walks benefit important NJCTS programs including educational outreach and youth advocacy training. Those who wish to support Team Jamo can visit www.njcts.org/teamjamo to make a donation.

The NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, the nation’s first Center for Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about this disorder through programs and affiliations with public schools, health centers, and universities. Visit www.njcts.org for more information.

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