Twitch and Shout Lay Forum: A Closer Look At Tourette Syndrome

The first Tourette Syndrome lay forum was held last March 31, 2007 at the Cathedral Heights Building Complex St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was indeed a very successful forum wherein families, pre-school and sped teachers, doctors, counselors, students, and patients who are diagnosed with Tourette syndrome came altogether for the forum. The forum was facilitated by The Movement Disorder Center of St. Luke’s and the Philippine Tourette Syndrome Association. Being a co-founding member of the organization, I am honored to be one of the emcees of the said event. The registration was facilitated by Dr. Toom Vatanagul. Invocation was made by Dr. Judy Sevilla. Dr. Janet Santiago sang the national anthem. Opening remarks was given by Dr. Joven Cuanang. The first testimonial was given by a TS advocate and an industrial specialist, Marlon Barnuevo. The second testimonial was given by a mother of a 12 year old child diagnosed with TS, Ms. Obie Casimiro. Lectures were given by Dr. Dominic Jamora and Dr. Bernadette Arcena. We also had an open forum where participant asked questions about TS. The resource persons for the open forum were the doctors from the Movement Disorder Center headed by Dr. Leonardo Fugoso. The closing remark was also given by Dr. Fugoso. After that a little meeting about the support group formation was facilitated by Dr. Vatanagul, myself, and Marlon Barnuevo.

We had a number of participants who became the initial members of the support group for PTSA. Now that the support group is already formed, the by-laws, mission and vision are still going to be finalized. We have three working objectives for the support group (1) support system for families, patients and significant others, (2) educate the public about Tourette syndrome , (3) advocates for TS patients and families. We still have a long way to go with the sustainability of the support group, but with your support nothing is impossible.