Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month

Floor Speech

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the recently completed Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month, a time when we educate ourselves and our children about Tourette's syndrome.

At a ceremony earlier this year, I had the privilege of meeting and listening to many of the courageous young people--heroes--telling their own Tourette's syndrome story.

Tourette's is a neurological condition that affects millions of Americans every day, mostly young children. For these kids, the involuntary tics can mean strange looks from classmates, bullying, or total alienation.

The simple fact is that most kids and even most parents don't understand TS or its symptoms. That is what makes awareness and education so important.

It is also a time to celebrate the bravery and perseverance of the local heroes nationwide--the heroes telling their own TS stories. The heroes I met ranged from energetic kindergartners to high school students to young college kids sharing an increasing awareness of TS.

The glowing comments from their teachers, friends, and family described how these young people took the obstacles they faced head-on and make a difference in the lives of their community.

It is an honor to stand and recognize Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month.

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