|
| Autumn Tattenham's race for Katelynn and TEAM TSA |
|
|
 |
|
Autumn's cousin, Katelynn Moranville |
|
|
On July 17, 2011, I will be participating in the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half-Marathon on behalf of my cousin Katelynn Moranville to benefit the national Tourette Syndrome Association. I am excited to meet the challenge, especially for such a good cause, and to help such an inspriring individual like Katelynn raise money for that cause.
Tourette Syndrome, an inherited neurobiological disorder, is characterized by involuntary sudden movements and vocalizations, known as tics. A common misconception is that those affected curse. In fact, less than 10 percent of those affected have what is known as coprolalia. What causes TS is not yet fully understood, and to date, a cure has not been found. It is estimated that one person out of a hundred has a mild form of the disorder and one in one thousand has a severe case of TS.
My cousin Katelynn, diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome as a child, is quite possibly the most positive and inspiring girl I know. Although she has had her fair share of difficulties in dealing with the physical, emotional, and social aspects of having TS, she continues to maintain a positive outlook. Instead of doing what many teens do when faced with adversity and withdraw, Katelynn finds more and more ways to shine. She is an accomplished soccer player, a varsity cheerleader at her high school, she ran for homecoming queen, and she participates in many charitable events to help others in need. It didn't surprise me at all when I found out she wanted to raise funds for finding a cure with TSA. Above all else, Katelynn is an extremely selfless and kind young lady, one that chooses to see life as humorous and good, and she inspires me with her wit and charm every time I am with her.
In addition to funding research, TSA's mission is to provide educational programs, awareness activities and services for Katelynn and others like her living with TS. Every dollar we raise helps continue those programs and propels us closer to finding a cure for Tourette Syndrome.
Training for distance running is not easy, but with every step I take, I remember I will be helping TSA and people like Katelynn get "One Lap Closer To A Cure." But Katelynn and I can't do it alone. This is where you come in. We need your help! Please sponsor me in running the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half-Marathon on Katelynn's behalf and donate to fund a worldwide cutting edge research program to identify the cause and find a cure for TS.
You can make a difference . . . please join Katelynn and me in supporting a very important cause. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for your support!
Sincerely,
Autumn Tattenham |
|
|
Total Donations Collected:$2,790.00
|
| Goal: $3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
