The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Dr. Joseph Haddad of Advanced Dental Arts of Somerset has signed on as a Bronze Sponsor of the second annual NJ Walks for TS at Princeton on Sunday, March 29.
NJ Walks for TS is a day of fun, awareness, acceptance and advocacy, according to a press release about the donation from the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS).
The event is designed for kids by a teen, Tess Kowalski, whose parents, Tim and Leslie, have known Haddad for more than 20 years.
“They are very special to me,” Haddad said in the release. “They are not just patients of my practice, but have become dear friends.” Tess and her sister, Paige, both have Tourette Syndrome – a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary sounds or movements known as tics. As many as one in 100 people show signs of TS.
Haddad said in the release that he’s proud of Tess and the good work of the Kowalski family.
“I admire both Leslie and Tim for their ability to cope and adjust to special circumstances and their very positive approach,” he said. “As far as Tess and Paige, I have known them their entire life and they are the most wonderful girls.”
Advanced Dental Arts also sponsored last year’s inaugural NJ Walks for TS at Princeton because, Haddad said, he believes in the need to support awareness of TS in the hopes of speeding up research and helping children with the disorder.
“I believe public awareness is essential in helping (TS) families,” Haddad said in the release. “The public should be better educated about TS and, perhaps, this can help support research, education and aid to families that have been affected by this condition.”All proceeds from NJ Walks for TS benefit the NJCTS Education Outreach program which delivers training to students, educators and healthcare providers, youth leadership development and scholarships, according to the release.
“We appreciate Dr. Haddad’s support and sponsorship of NJ Walks for TS at Princeton,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice said in the release. “We will make great strides together as more health and business leaders join Dr. Haddad in recognizing the need to understand and promote TS awareness.”
NJ Walks for TS at Princeton is a 5K walk and family fun run on Sunday, March 29th at Mercer County Park (EAST Picnic Area). The event is a day of family fun, music and friendship. The registration fee is $22.50 now through February 28th and $25 after that. Register online at http://www.active.com/princeton-junction-nj/running/races/nj-walks-for-ts-at-princeton-2015. You can donate to the event at http://www.active.com/donate/NJWalk4TSPrinceton15.
To learn more, visit NJCTS.org or call (908) 575-7350.
