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Hopeless Situation. No Cure. Chastised. Ridiculed. Misunderstood. Alienated. Missed Opportunities. Negative Judgements.
My name is Josh Ertter and I am a 22 year old with Tourette Syndrome. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that involves involuntary movements and sounds, called “tics”. Although, not a life threatening disease, it is certainly life altering. I have been misunderstood by the general public all of my life because of the often loud and disturbing sounds I make. I was diagnosed at 7 years old and my symptoms have become progressively worse as time has transpired. However, there is an exciting opportunity ahead that could cure me of all I have faced and relieve me of the physical pain the tics cause and the public scrutiny I deal with every day of my life.
Instead of crawling into a hole and running from this troublesome situation, I have educated the world around me. At 12 years old I was nominated to be the first Florida Youth Ambassador, representing the national Tourette Syndrome Association. I have presented to thousands of students, educators, parents, administrators, psychologists, as well as senators and congressman in Washington D.C. about the condition I, as well as countless others, live with daily. Additionally, I have spoken to thousands to lobby for funding for the disorder.
Because of my neurological disorder I am faced with great difficulties every minute of my life. Activities that many take for granted like talking, exercising, sitting quietly, focusing, working, and relaxing are troublesome and quite a struggle to do with a disorder like mine. Going to a movie, library and dinner are regularly met with countless judgmental stares, negative comments, as well as being asked to be quiet (which I cannot do) or being asked to leave! I have embraced my situation and taken it head on with the help of a great support system; my faith, my family, and my friends.
I am beyond excited to share a promising new discovery that has been curing others like me, with Tourette Syndrome. TMJ doctors have found that a medical mouthpiece can stop my uncontrollable vocal and motor tics. The mouthpiece is designed to change the way electronic signals are sent to the brain via the mouth. The procedure itself will take a week, with followup appointments every 4-6 weeks for a year. I will have to travel to Virginia for all appointments. The MRI, XRAYs, doctor visits, fittings, and mouthpiece are very expensive. In addition, I am responsible for the cost of airfare, lodging and food while in Virginia. I will lose a few weeks of work as well, without pay. Insurance does not cover any of my costs.
I am beyond thrilled to live a life without Tourette Syndrome. I am hopeful that you will find my story compelling. Please help me break from the stigma and lighten the weight I carry each day so I can live a normal, tourette free life. Thanking you in advance for all your help and generosity.
New Found Hope. Cure In Sight. Comments or Judgements. Endless Opportunities. Positive Impressions and Ability To Finally be
Seen for Who I Really Am.
My name is Josh Ertter and I am a 22 year old with Tourette Syndrome. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that involves involuntary movements and sounds, called “tics”. Although, not a life threatening disease, it is certainly life altering. I have been misunderstood by the general public all of my life because of the often loud and disturbing sounds I make. I was diagnosed at 7 years old and my symptoms have become progressively worse as time has transpired. However, there is an exciting opportunity ahead that could cure me of all I have faced and relieve me of the physical pain the tics cause and the public scrutiny I deal with every day of my life.
Instead of crawling into a hole and running from this troublesome situation, I have educated the world around me. At 12 years old I was nominated to be the first Florida Youth Ambassador, representing the national Tourette Syndrome Association. I have presented to thousands of students, educators, parents, administrators, psychologists, as well as senators and congressman in Washington D.C. about the condition I, as well as countless others, live with daily. Additionally, I have spoken to thousands to lobby for funding for the disorder.
Because of my neurological disorder I am faced with great difficulties every minute of my life. Activities that many take for granted like talking, exercising, sitting quietly, focusing, working, and relaxing are troublesome and quite a struggle to do with a disorder like mine. Going to a movie, library and dinner are regularly met with countless judgmental stares, negative comments, as well as being asked to be quiet (which I cannot do) or being asked to leave! I have embraced my situation and taken it head on with the help of a great support system; my faith, my family, and my friends.
I am beyond excited to share a promising new discovery that has been curing others like me, with Tourette Syndrome. TMJ doctors have found that a medical mouthpiece can stop my uncontrollable vocal and motor tics. The mouthpiece is designed to change the way electronic signals are sent to the brain via the mouth. The procedure itself will take a week, with followup appointments every 4-6 weeks for a year. I will have to travel to Virginia for all appointments. The MRI, XRAYs, doctor visits, fittings, and mouthpiece are very expensive. In addition, I am responsible for the cost of airfare, lodging and food while in Virginia. I will lose a few weeks of work as well, without pay. Insurance does not cover any of my costs.
I am beyond thrilled to live a life without Tourette Syndrome. I am hopeful that you will find my story compelling. Please help me break from the stigma and lighten the weight I carry each day so I can live a normal, tourette free life. Thanking you in advance for all your help and generosity.
New Found Hope. Cure In Sight. Comments or Judgements. Endless Opportunities. Positive Impressions and Ability To Finally be
Seen for Who I Really Am.