Erasing Limits and Documentary Project Go Public!

After a lot of thought and work into our project, I am proud to announce the release of www.ErasingLimits.com and The Tourette Syndrome documentary project, a collection of personal stories about Tourette Syndrome!

Website: www.ErasingLimits.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Erasing.Limits

What is our goal from The Tourette Syndrome Documentary Project?
Our goal from The Tourette Syndrome documentary project is to make a difference in how Tourette Syndrome and other "gifts" are viewed by society. The stories that make up this project are told from mothers, fathers, siblings, teens, and children all living with Tourette Syndrome themselves or living with someone close to them who is affected by Tourette Syndrome.

What is Erasing Limits?
Erasing Limits is a video database of empowering knowledge. Through EL, you can find high quality, informative, and inspirational videos about various disabilities, disorders, and challenges. All videos featured are videos that have been reviewed and are worth watching for anyone wanting more information, support, or encouragement in the video's respective area.

Another note about the Tourette Syndrome documentary project, this is a project that we plan to build on over time. If you sent in a video to participate in the project and you do not see your video up on the website, don't worry! The videos we have released today as part of the project are just the start and if you sent in a video for the project, I promise your video will be edited and put up as part of the project at a later date!

Also, if you wish to submit a video to participate in the growing and ongoing Tourette Syndrome documentary project, please send me a message through facebook or send me an e-mail at jspershing93@gmail.com.

Full TS Documentary from Last Year In One Video

Hey guys! I know many of you saw and/or participated in the first TS documentary that I produced last year. For those of you who missed it or if you just want to watch it again, I have compiled the whole 50 minute documentary together in one video with the help of vimeo! No more dealing with having to switch from part 1, to part 2, to part 3, etc. So I would highly suggest watching it or sharing it if you haven't already! The next TS documentary project is going to be even better than this one, but of course the first one is still a very good watch! It's called "Out of Our Control: The Chronicled Lives of Tourette's Syndrome". Just click on the link to view it :) https://vimeo.com/66215926

15 Suggestions for How to Participate in Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month

Hey everyone! So for many of you today marks the start of your first TS awareness month being diagnosed with TS or having a child diagnosed with TS. TS awareness month is very important for the TS community in terms of spreading awareness and every single person can do something to make a different in terms of spreading the word about TS! Even if you are not new to the TS diagnosis, this may be your first TS awareness month that you feel strongly about participating in. If you are new to TS, new to participating in TS awareness month, or just want some extra suggestions on how to spread awareness this TS awareness month these 15 suggestions may be helpful for you!  So here they are, 15 suggestions for how to participate in TS awareness month and how to start spreading the word!

1.Educate yourself. Educating yourself about what you or your child is going through is the first step. You have to educate yourself before you can educate others about what TS really is and how it really can effect someone's life.  One of the first places to visit for accurate information is the national TSA website: www.tsa-usa.org

2.Educate others verbally when asked about TS. When you are asked about TS because someone notices something different about you or your child, it can sometimes be easy to shy away from this opportunity and say something like "don't worry about it" or "it's not your business". While this can sometimes be less difficult than trying to explain, once you are educated about TS you should take questions as an opportunity to educate others about TS. Telling this one person can make a difference! The next time they come across someone who has TS, they will know not to judge them. And next time you come across someone who asks questions, you will feel more comfortable educating them because you have already done so before!

3.Purchase posters, tee-shirts, stickers, or other TS themed items and use them to spread awareness about TS. Put a TS bumper sticker on your car, or wear a TS tee-shirt out in public and if anyone asks you about it, proudly explain why you are wearing the shirt, sporting the bumper sticker, or carrying a TS themed coffee cup. Here are a few places you can purchase TS themed items online. Most of the proceeds from these places go to supporting TS research as well, so just by purchasing them you are contributing to the cause!

http://store.tsa-usa.org

http://www.cafepress.com/+tourette's-syndrome+gifts

http://tourettes.spreadshirt.com/

4.Donate money to the national Tourette's Syndrome association, TEAM TSA, Camp Twitch and Shout, The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation, or other TS related causes.

Here is where you can donate online to  TEAM TSA: http://tsa-usa.org/give/gvdon_teamtsa.html

Here is where you can donate to the national TSA : http://tsa-usa.org/give/gvdon_gen_or_recur.html

Here is where you can donate to camp twitch and shout: http://camptwitchandshout.org/donate.html

Here is where you can donate to The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation: http://bradcohentourettefoundation.com.s96002.gridserver.com/?page_id=9

5.Post TS facts, pictures, or videos on your facebook page, twitter, tumblr, or other social networking site

6.Make a video or a few videos about living with TS and post them on youtube or facebook to educate others.

7.Submit a video to us for our ongoing Tourette's Syndrome documentary project. Although we are going to be releasing the website and many videos from the project near the end of TS awareness month, it is going to be an ongoing project so video submissions will always be encouraged and appreciated. For instructions on how to film and submit the video visit: http://alittlebitdiffrent.blogspot.com/2012/10/instructionsquestions-sheet-for-new.html

8.Submit artwork/drawings to our page's TS awareness month drawing contest. Simply draw/ have your child draw "what it is like to have TS" and then send it to jspershing93@gmail.com and it will be posted on the page and winners and prizes will be announced at the end of the month.

9.Share your story with us! Write out your TS story and also send pictures of youself/your child. Your story will be shared on the page and on my blog and one more story will be out there!

10.Start a blog, facebook page, youtube channel, etc of your own and start sharing your experiances, spreading TS awareness, and getting the word out there through your own personal experience.

11.Make your own TS awareness posters or digital image and then post them on social media sites or tape them up around your area. Here is one of my favorite sites that I use to make TS awareness posters/ digital images: http://pixlr.com/

12.Start your own TS awareness project or initiative. Get creative!

13.Attend your local TSA Chapter or TS support group. Become part of the TS community. If there is no TSA Chapter or  support group in your area, start one!

14.Orginize your own TS walk/run/event in your area and donate the proceeds to a TS cause!

15.Or just think of your own amazing idea to spread the word about TS this month! You can do it! 

Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month!

Well it's officially Tourette's Syndrome awareness month! Well it's actually already the third day. I can't believe I haven't blogged about it yet! I love all the awareness being spread, all the videos being made, and all the Tourette's activity out there going on. This is the second Tourette's Syndrome awareness month that I have celebrated since my diagnosis and during this month I am proud to say I have Tourette's! Some people on youtube are even making Tourette's awareness videos every day of the month. The only thing that could make me happier at this point would be if my "Tourette's Tics Me Off" wristband that I ordered actually came in the mail! I have been waiting for it to come for like months...I guess that's what happens when you don't order it from a specific company but rather though a mutual friend. Hopefully it will come soon. I e-mailed the person sending it to me just the other week and she said she would get it in the mail as soon as she can. So there's not much more to say really...but I am going to include the videos that have been made so far in honor of Tourette's Syndrome awareness month! The first one is one that I made and the rest were made by others with Tourette's. There are plenty more Tourette's Awareness videos out there and there will be plenty more to come in the next month, so be on the lookout for all sorts of new Tourette's Awareness videos!!

Marc Elliot's Book: "What Makes you Tic?"

I just finished Marc Elliot's book "What makes you tic?" and I absolutely loved it! I recommend that anyone with Tourette's read it, and I also recommend it in general for anyone out there no matter what their challenges may be. And I say this because everyone has challenges. You may have Tourette's, or OCD, you may have a child with these disorders, you may be deaf of hard of hearing, or you may think you are too skinny or too fat. Or in fact you may just be too judgmental or have a short temper. Whatever you challenges, big or small, noticeable or hidden, you need to read this book!  Marc's message truly has changed my life and the way I think about not only myself and my TS, but it also changed the way I think about every other person around me. "Live and Let Live" is a message everyone should hear and it is a message I have been trying to live by ever since I heard Marc's speech for the first time back in September. 

















Link to purchase Marc's book:  https://www.marcelliot.com/store

10 minute documentary about Marc Elliot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOfeW9qsNV8

What's been going on in the Tourette's/OCD community this week (Week of March 4th)

(March 27th) "Elsevier Launches New Journal: Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders": http://www.marketwatch.com/story/elsevier-launches-new-journal-journal-of-obsessive-compulsive-and-related-disorders-2012-03-27

(March 29th) "Support between brothers, local teen raises Tourette syndrome awareness": http://www.thecharlotteweekly.com/education/2012/03/support-between-brothers-local-teen-raises-tourette-syndrome-awareness/

(March 29th) "OCD nightmare: Mum hid knives from herself out of fear she'd harm her baby": http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/ocd-nightmare-mum-hid-knives-775074

(March 30th) "Truth on Tourette's" Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0EDYDO9sE8&feature=g-all-lik&context=G2f2a0a5FAAAAAAAABAA

(March 30th) "Girl with Tourette" (now 19)  Resonds to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT_JJ2WwXtU&feature=g-all-s&context=G2dea2cdFAAAAAPAAEAA

(March 30th) "A new book about Tourette's Syndrome": http://www.prlog.org/11838296-new-book-about-tourettes-syndrome.html

(March 31st) "Teen's OCD Diary: From Fearing 'Contamination' From Classmates to Thriving in High School": http://abcnews.go.com/Health/teens-ocd-diary-fearing-contamination-classmates-thriving-high/story?id=16003921 

(April 1st) "River Dell student publishes first book" (about Tourette's Syndrome) Video interview: http://www.msgvarsity.com/optimum/RetrievePremiumContent?id=1PqSE2WAU2eSoeU5Phsgg0U%2BBAUsVczixsUh3nGr0%2Bc%3D

(April 3rd) "Assistance, accommodations help St. Amant teen manage disabilities" (one of which is TS): http://theadvocate.com/features/people/2302267-123/living-day-by-day

What's been going on in the Tourette's/OCD community this week? (Week of March 25th)

(March 19th) American Idol’s James Durbin Talks About Living With Tourette's — Exclusive: http://www.wetpaint.com/american-idol/articles/american-idols-james-durbin-talks-about-living-with-tourettes-exclusive

(March 20th) Annette John-Hall: Embracing OCD as a part of her: http://articles.philly.com/2012-03-20/news/31215285_1_dark-thoughts-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-sufferers 

(March 20th) Trek in Canada Closing In On $500,000 For Tourette: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/trek-closing-in-on-500000-for-tourette-2012-03-20 

(March 20th) JSU student doesn’t let Tourette’s keep him down: http://jaxnews.com/bookmark/17944362/article-JSU+student+doesn%E2%80%99t+let+Tourette%E2%80%99s+keep+him+down#.T2mwPzVPaBs.twitter

(March 21st) Callum Hole and mum Lisa on what it’s like living with Tourettes: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/cardiffonline/cardiff-news/2012/03/21/callum-hole-and-mum-lisa-on-what-it-s-like-living-with-tourettes-91466-30585238/

(March 20th) Full version of the Tourette's Syndrome documentary "Twitch and Shout" produced in 1993 is available online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYLLfAcGTLU

(March 20th) Morning News, Trek from Tourette Video: http://www.globalsaskatoon.com/video/trek+for+tourette/video.html?v=2212779904#interviews/video

(March 21st) Blog post about Marc Elliot's impact on a college student who heard his speech: http://aduquesnel.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/live-and-let-live-the-challenge-of-tolerance/

(March 22nd) Charlize Theron and 8 More Stars with OCD: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/charlize-theron-stars-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/story?id=15972302

(March 22nd) Bayside Teen To Participate In Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Training In Washington D.C.: http://ballantynescoop.com/local-teen-to-participate-in-tourette-syndrome-youth-ambassador-training-in-washington-d-c/

(March 23rd) Local families talk about importance of supporting and attending Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in New Jersey: http://www.prlog.org/11831418-local-families-talk-about-importance-of-supporting-and-attending-tourette-syndrome-awareness-day.html

(March 24th) Eureka Teen Becomes Tourette Ambassador: http://eureka-wildwood.patch.com/articles/eureka-teen-becomes-tourette-ambassador

What's been going on in the Tourette's/OCD community this week? (Week of March 17th)

"(March 10) "Talking to your class about Tourette's", Video 

(March 10th) "How to Tell Someone You Have OCD, Without Embarrassing Yourself", Article:

http://thesop.org/story/20120310/how-to-tell-someone-you-have-ocd-without-embarrassing-yourself.html

(March 12th) "People make fun of me every day of my life. I’ve had enough.", Article about 26 year old man with Tourette's: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/health/people-make-fun-of-me-every-day-of-my-life-i-ve-had-enough-1-4336410#

(March 12th) "Tourette and its co-morbid conditions: ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s" Article on NJCTS's TS Parents Online: http://www.njcts.org/tsparents/tourette-and-its-co-morbid-conditions-adhd-ocd-aspergers 

(March 12th) "Leopard to make follow-up to BBC3 Tourettes series", Article: http://www.televisual.com/news-detail/Leopard-to-make-follow-up-to-BBC3-Tourettes-series_nid-1335.html

(March 13th) "There are Definite Possibilities for people with Tourette Syndrome", Article by Logan Kurtz on NJCTS's Teens4TS blog: http://www.njcts.org/teens4ts/there-are-definite-possibilities-for-people-with-tourette-syndrome/

(March 13th) "It's OK to have Tourette's Syndrome", Article: http://cmenyart1.hubpages.com/hub/livingwithtourettes

(March 15th) "A short video about Tourette's syndrome, and my personal thoughts", Video: 

  

(March 15th) "A glimpse at life with Tourette syndrome", Article about a 12 year old with TS educating a class about her condition: http://ns.gmnews.com/news/2012-03-15/Front_Page/A_glimpse_at_life_with_Tourette_syndrome.html

(March 15th) "PIAA BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIPS: Management skills at work", Article about Johannah Joseph, Tourette's, and bowling: http://www.pennlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/piaa-bowling-championships-management-skills-at-work/bb30c7ab47d54aca9575391d4d1c9635

(March 17th) "Tourette's Syndrome Doesn't Stop N.Y. Co-Ed's Dreams", Article: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/tourettes-syndrome-stop-ny-eds-dreams/story?id=15937604#.T2SFaB07OPY

(March 17th) "Bowling for strikes, local high schooler battles Tourette's syndrome", Video and Article: http://www.whptv.com/content/Lancaster/story/Bowling-for-strikes-local-HS-battles-Tourettes/8KuCkoOVkE2Oq0T2D5tqYg.cspx 

What's been going on in the Tourette's/OCD community this week? (Week of March 10th)

(March 3rd) Meet Tyler, a young boy with Tourette's 

(March 4th) An article about Jeff Koterba on Living with Tourette's: http://www.omaha.com/article/20120304/LIVEWELL01/703049991/116

(March 4th) Lena's "bad day" playlist d00d, a video about upbeat songs that help a teen living with Tourette's:

(March 4th) Emma says: Tic Update & Holding Tics In, Voice recording by a teen with Tourette's who is my awesome friend from Canada!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjz4Z0iCTt8 

(March 4th) Pittman (American Idol Contestant with TS) speaks out against peer bullying: http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1821235.html

(March 4th) Lubaroff, teacher and musician, doesn't let Tourette's define him: http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20120304/NEWS01/303040026/Lubaroff-doesn-t-let-Tourette-s-define-him

Daniel Radcliffe - Radcliffe Suffers from OCD and Encourages OCD Patients To Seek Help: 

(March 6th) Pine Crest senior who is legally blind and hasTourette's to receive Spirit of Sport Award, Video:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/trackandfield/broward/fl-blind-track-athlete-pine-crest-0305-20120306,0,4773340.story 

(March 7th) Oak Park Native Fighting Tourette’s Through Boxing, Video: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/03/07/oak-park-native-fighting-tourettes-through-boxing/ 

(March 7th) Meet Megan Phan, A college student living with Tourette's: http://www.thejibsheet.com/megan-phan-8813 

(March 8) Utah Student with Tourette's wins writing competition, video: http://www.abc4.com/content/news/slc/story/Utah-student-with-Tourette-syndrome-wins-writing/opCYQLjF6kS9Q4XwDGL7_w.cspx 

(March 9th) Reggie Yates to Host Tourette's Singing Show: http://www.list.co.uk/article/40934-reggie-yates-to-host-tourettes-singing-show/ http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/4181927/Weve-got-Tourettes-singdrome.html

What's been going on in the Tourette's/OCD community this week? (Week of March 3rd)

(Feb 24) Some girls cured from medical mystery with treatment for conversion disorder: http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/02/24/girls-cured-ny-medical-mystery

(Feb 25) James Durbin, the former ‘American Idol’ contestant and resident rocker with Tourette's Syndrome, has been confirmed as the spokesperson for the be a STAR Alliance, which is an anti-bullying initiative that was founded by the Creative Coalition and the WWE: http://loudwire.com/james-durbin-is-a-star/

(Feb 26) Video: Lori's Journey Continues, Girl with Tourette like symptoms starting getting better with PANDAS treatment (Why is this happening? The answer seems to be PANDAS, Tic Symptoms spurred by Infection):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr4M4DBtIks&feature=g-all-u&context=G22e8a89FAAAAAAAAAAA 

(Feb 27) College Struggles for Learning Disabled Students, Meet Marlee a College Student with Tourette's Syndrome:http://www.readthehorn.com/lifestyle/52365/college_struggles_for_ld_students 

(Feb 28) Video: American Idol contestant with Tourette's talks about bullies to Lead Hill students: http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-american-idol-contestant-talks-bullying-to-lead-hill-students-20120228,0,5712656.story

(Feb 29)The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS), working in partnership with Raritan Valley Community College, will present Tourette’s, ADHD, OCD & Related Disorders on March 9, from 9 a.m.- noon: http://www.nj.com/messenger-gazette/index.ssf/2012/02/tourettes_and_related_disorders_will_be_presented_at_rvcc.html

(March 1) Video: ‘Contagious' brain disorder not just for the masses anymore: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=19415888

(March 1) Meet Carson - I have Tourette's, big deal! http://milanandsarah.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-have-tourettes-big-deal.html

(March 2) She battles OCD daily: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/she-battles-ocd-daily-093022473.html

What's been going on in the Tourette's/OCD Community this week? (Week of Febuary 23rd)

(Feb 17) No funds for Tourette syndrome group in proposed Pennsylvania budget: 

http://www.publicopiniononline.com/localnews/ci_19984730 

(Feb 17) James E. Marshall OCD Foundation Presents $225k to Johns Hopkins at 8th Annual Beyond Beauty Gala to support genetic research relating OCD: 

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/james-e-marshall-ocd-foundation-presents-225k-to-johns-hopkins-at-8th-annual-beyond-beauty-gala-2012-02-17

(Feb 16th)PANDAS Video: 19 year old girl has had PANDAS for 3 years. Her symptoms diminished successfully after treatment when tics came on after walking pneumonia, but it's back again after a bout of Mono (part one and two):

(Feb 19th) Tristan Perez, 11, runs to make people more aware of Tourette's: 

http://www.caller.com/news/2012/feb/19/tristan-perez-11-runs-to-make-people-more-aware/

(Feb 20) Blog Teens Have Mixed Feelings About New York Students with Tourette Syndrome-Like Symptoms:

http://www.pr.com/press-release/391463

(Feb 21) New Informational Tourette's and OCD book: The Tourette Syndrome & OCD Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers: 

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120221006636/en/Research-Markets-Tourette-Syndrome-OCD-Checklist-Practic

(Feb 21)  Obsessive Compulsive Detective Show 'Monk' to return for TV movie?: 

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a366989/monk-to-return-for-tv-movie.html

(Feb 22) UVA Freshman Track Star, Ryan talking about Tourette's Syndrome and Track Video: