Text Box: From April 13-18 the TSA-NYHV Board Member Jocelyn Figueroa and her family attended the National Tourette Syndrome Association bi-annual conference in Washington D.C.  Camerin,  age 10 and Maya, age 9 attended the TS camp while their parents attended the conference.  The camp was for children with TS and their siblings.  They had a chance to be around other kids their age with TS from around the country and got to sight see around DC as well.  Jocelyn attended leadership training representing the NY Hudson Valley chapter. She also participated in TSA's "Trip to the Hill" to meet our elected representatives and promote awareness of Tourette.  The group included over 100 TSA representatives including 36 youth ambassadors (10 of which were from NY State,  three of which were from our chapter!).   She met with staff from John Hall's office as well as Charles Schumer's office and Kirsten Gillibrand to lobby on behalf of their continued support of the TSA.  There was also a luncheon where Senator Patrick Kennedy, a longtime supporter of health care initiatives, accepted an award in his father,  Ted Kennedy's honor.  At the banquet on the last night, the family got to hear David Pittman sing.  David was a contestant on this season's American Idol.  He has TS and after appearing on American Idol was contacted by the TSA to speak and perform at the conference. The family also got to meet three kids from the "I have Tourette's but Tourette's Doesn't have Me",  HBO Documentary.  (Believe it or not it is the 5 year anniversary of the movie)  It was exciting and educational and the family can't wait to attend the next conference in 2012.  

 

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Text Box: Jocelyn Figueroa with Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island

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Text Box: Maya and Camerin with David Pittman