Jersey-born Soccer Star Joins Pepsi to Kick Stigma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 19, 2010 -- Tim Howard knows what it’s like to stand out and stay strong. The Team USA goalie wants to empower kids to stand up for themselves in the face of stigma and bullying. He’s representing the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge contest at USSoccer.com. If Tim gets the most votes, he’ll win $50,000 for the new NJCTS Advocacy Academy.

“As many as 1 in 100 kids have Tourette syndrome – most of them undiagnosed, misdiagnosed and misunderstood,” says Howard, who also has Tourette Syndrome. “With the Pepsi Refresh Project grant we can make a difference and help provide much needed resources for these children and their families.” Kids with Tourette Syndrome have to deal with the stigma attached to this disorder, which often leads to isolation and bullying. The NJCTS Advocacy Academy will help all kids, regardless of their limitations, stand up and speak up for themselves.

Howard, who was raised in North Brunswick, is giving back to the Garden State by calling attention to the work of NJCTS and spotlighting the needs of all children learning to cope with bullying, stigma and other self-advocacy challenges that present in childhood, adolescence and beyond.

To vote, visit www.ussoccer.com/pepsirefresh now through June 12th.

More information can be found online at http://www.njcts.org

soccer     tim howard     tourette syndrome