Understanding Tourette's Syndrome

Audrey Vogel isn't letting Tourette's Sydrome stop her education, or stop her educating others.

The 14-year-old freshman has been chosen to represent Connecticut in the Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Training to be held in Washington, D.C. in March 29-31.

It will be the fourth annual event hosted by the Tourette Syndrome Association, and involves teens with and without the syndrome, from age 13 to 17. The disorder is marked by involuntary physical tics and/or vocalizations.

Vogel, who has a mild case, explained the application process in a press release.

“I was motivated to apply for this ambassadorship because I want to help spread awareness of Tourettes Syndrome to others. When I return from my training, I plan to follow through by speaking not only to my peers, but also to  childens’ groups, about TS,” she said.

Vogel's mother, Faith Bader-Vogel of Monroe, said her daughter has been an advocate for a while.

A year ago, "she started a youth group that meets the last Saturday of every month and plans an activity for everyone to go to," Bader-Vogel said. 

The mother said she is proud of her daughter. "I think it's a great opportunity for her to learn. I think it's a great way to learn about Capitol Hill," Bader-Vogel said.

She will meet with representatives from the offices of Democratic U.S. Sens. Joseph Lieberman and Dick Blumenthal, and will meet U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., in person.

"She really wants" to speak to other people about Tourette's Syndrome, Bader-Vogel said.

She will get to spread the word about the illness.

"The TS Youth Ambassador program trains teens to advocate for themselves and for others and to educate their peers and younger children with accurate information," according to a press release. "Youth Ambassadors also meet with politicians, appear in the media and assist with fundraising and awareness raising campaigns.

"Youth Ambassadors learn skills that they will use for the rest of their lives and at the same time are helping to enlighten our generation about Tourette Syndrome," the release stated.