Severna Park Teen Receives National Tourette Association Award

>>News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: ANNAPOLIS•EDGEWATER•ODENTON

SEVERNA PARK, MD--National Tourette Youth Ambassador, and Severna Park resident, Caroline Christian, received the 2016 Zak Hollis National Youth Achievement Recognition Award for outstanding personal achievements in scholarship, volunteerism, special interest and athletics on March 12 at the Tourette Gala and Awards Banquet, according to a news release.

The sixteen-year-old received the award for her volunteer work and her continuing efforts to spread Tourette Awareness with the National Tourette Association and the local Tourette Association of Greater Washington.

"This award is such an honor," said Caroline Christian. "I am fortunate to have the type of Tourettes that still allows me to actively serve my community. I am committed to serving as a voice for those who don't have one, as I spread awareness of this disorder which impacts 1 in 100 people a year, mainly children, with no cure."

Tourette Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder characterized by repeated motor and vocal tics.

Caroline’s 2015 and 2016 work to spread Tourette awareness includes:

• Multiple trips to Capitol Hill to lobby Congressional members and staff for more funding for Tourette Research and Education.
• Meetings with Gov. Hogan the Anne Arundel County Council and County Executive for Tourette awareness, and coordinating State and County Wide “Teal Tuesdays” in recognition of National Tourette Awareness month.
• Receiving volunteer citations from the Governor, County Council and County executive.
• Tim Howard Leadership Academy Advocate.
• 45 appearances as Miss Anne Arundel County Outstanding Teen with her platform “Keep Calm and Tic On, It’s OK to be Different.”
• Participated in multiple local and regional fundraising events raising donations for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Tourette Association of America, Greater Washington DC Chapter.
• Donating Tourette books to libraries, schools and all 14 Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
• Mentoring kids and sending Tourette Care packages to newly diagnosed Tourette kids and families.
• Giving presentations about Tourettes to schools/teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, students and police departments.
• Online Jewelry thru “Bravelets” that makes a $10.00 donation to the National Tourette Association for each item purchased.
• TV appearances on ABC 7 in Washington DC, and the Anne Arundel County channel, Interviews with WNAV Radio Annapolis, and multiple newspaper interviews with The Capital Gazette and the Severna Park Voice.