Advocacy
As a Youth Ambassador for the Tourette Association of America since seventh grade, I’ve found that the key to supporting those affected by Tourette Syndrome is to make accurate information about the condition widely accessible. In promoting awareness in numerous ways, I’ve learned that education always leads to progress and that dreams of a better world are only limited by what we dare to imagine and work towards.
In this role, I’ve spoken on Capitol Hill annually, meeting with North Carolina leaders to educate them about Tourette Syndrome and request funding for research and public health education initiatives. I’ve also created and led an advocacy training curriculum for the 100+ new Youth Ambassadors who go to Capitol Hill each year. Additionally, I’ve presented at schools where students with Tourette Syndrome are experiencing bullying, as well as acted in a law enforcement training video to educate police on the neurological disorder to facilitate safe and positive outcomes. While my tics have greatly lessened in intensity as I’ve grown older, my passion for advocacy has skyrocketed.
At the end of every high school presentation I give, I lead the student body in reciting a pledge promising to create a world where peole are seen for who they are and not their tics, and to be the change for the Tourette community.
I was asked by the Tourette Association of America to help host its first Virtual Fundraising Gala:
In March of 2020, Hamilton was my favorite musical. I recorded this video as I was waiting to speak with Senator Burr about Tourette Syndrome. It was posted on Tourette Association of America social media:
During COVID, I made this video which the Tourette Association posted on social media: