Kids & Family
Fair Haven Teen to Shave His Head for Tourette Awareness
HS Junior to Shave His Head for Uncle Fester Role When He Reaches Fundraising Goal for NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome
Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School has found their Uncle Fester. Junior Jacob Gerbman has won the role in the school’s spring musical The Addams Family and he is going all out for the character by shaving his head….but only if he meets a $5,000 fundraising goal in support of NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS).
“This crazy gesture speaks to how important NJCTS has been in my life,” said Gerbman, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in the 4th grade. “Since that moment NJCTS has played a huge role in helping me find ways to be open and educate people about my condition.”
When Gerbman was first diagnosed a representative from NJCTS went to his elementary school to talk to his classmates about Tourette Syndrome. Now Gerbman represents NJCTS as a Youth Advocate and educates others about TS and shares his own story.
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“I have decided to do this fundraiser not only to support the programming and advocacy NJCTS does within the community, but also their role in research efforts for the causes and possible treatment options for Tourette.”
Everyone who donates to the fundraiser will be emailed a link to “The Shave” streamed live on March 15. A video will also be posted on social media after the show with pics of Gerbman in full Uncle Fester make-up. The Addams Family will be on stage at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School March 22-24.
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To support Gerbman’s fundraiser, visit www.njcts.org/jacob.
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.