Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to raise awareness of a complex neurological disorder affecting an estimated 200,000 Americans. Tourette Syndrome, TS, emerges in children, as young as 5 years old. Symptoms include ``tics,'' repeated involuntary noises or movement. Some adults with TS have learned to control their tics, or redirect them in other ways. I have not been knowledgeable on this subject. However, I recently had the pleasure of meeting a group of four--two mothers and two sons-- all dealing in some way with TS. Zach Pezzillo, a high school junior from Haiku, Maui, in my State of Hawaii, was diagnosed with TS at age 7. After 2 years of misdiagnosis, Zach and his mother, Susannah Christy, were almost relieved to learn why Zach constantly sniffed. Zach was fortunate in that his tics were mild. He has become a well spoken young man, a gifted photographer, and a wonderful youth ambassador for the National Tourette Syndrome Association. I am sure much of his success is due in large part to his mother Susannah, whose support of her son's drive and openness with his affliction is noteworthy. I also had the pleasure of meeting Chris Schuette, a young man who, in his adulthood, has learned to control his tics so well that he was able to serve with AmeriCorps in 2007.…”