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During Tuesday night’s Troup County Commission gave a proclamation creating Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in LaGrange and Troup County. The month will run from May 15 through June 15.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Tourette Syndrome is, “a condition of the nervous system. TS causes people to have “tics”. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. People who have tics cannot stop their body from doing these things.”

Part of the proclamation reads, “Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders affect 1 in 50 children, more than 242 school-age children in Troup County Schools are estimated to be dealing with Tourette Syndrome or Tic Disorder and although some of these cases are aided by medication, there is no known cure for the disorder.”

The proclamation was presented to Jake Duraski. Duraski is a LaGrange resident living with Tourette’s Syndrome.

Commission Chairperson Partick Crews read the proclamation, saying, “Tourettes Syndrome is often accompanied by other mental health disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; learning disabilities and Anxiety. 

He continues to say that the syndrome can negatively impact someone’s social life and cause increased levels of stress and anxiety, resulting in “tougher mental and learning capabilities.”

Duraski spoke for a group present at the meeting. 

“There is no cure, yet. I don’t know if anyone will live to see the day. But, I know in my heart I am a unique individual and everyone else living with Tourettes or a tic disorder is a unique individual as well,” Duraski said.  

“[Living with Tourettes] is something special, and it is something that should not be taken with a grain of salt but seriously. It’s one of those things I felt compelled to do for this town. I want to raise awareness, spread education, and help those in need,” Duraski said. 

At the end of the proclamation, it acknowledges the services in place for those living with Tourette’s syndrome or a tic disorder. 

It reads, “Tourettes Association of America is actively providing services to families, educating medical professionals, and teachers and supporting research to better understand the science and treatments of Tourette Syndrome.”