Family Weekend 2006 Well Attended
The Family Weekend 2006 was held Feb 3-5 at the Rotary Camp in Brandon, Florida. In spite of the rainy weather the weekend was attended by over 140 parents, children, and grandparents.
 The program for the children was supervised by 10 medical students from USF that acted as counselors for the more than 60 children enrolled in the program. Laura Foster, the director for the children’s program, put together a variety of activities to keep the children engaged and active. USF medical resident, Heidi Brutly and Dr. Perry-Smith held special rap sessions for each group to discuss TS and how it affects them. While the children were occupied with various activities prepared for them the parents had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers on a variety of subjects related to Tourette Syndrome.
Friday evening Scott “Twitch” Anderson entertained, for the second year in a row, those attending the Family Weekend. His musical performance was a big hit with all present. Many enjoyed his comical acts that involved the audience.
Our program for parents began Saturday morning with Berney Wilkinson, PhD. Mr. Wilkinson is the Director of the Exceptional Student Education Program at the Child Development Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He spoke of behavior related issues and Tourette Syndrome. The education advocacy discussion was presented by Florida Executive Director, Donna Sakuta, who also serves as our Education and Advocacy Representative.
Saturday afternoon, Sheila Rogers, author of the new book Tics and Tourette’s: Breakthrough Discoveries in Natural Treatment, spoke on the subject of nutritional supplements and complementary medicine in the treatment of Tourette Syndrome.
Sheila’s presentation was very informative. In her discussion she pointed out that factors in the environment and poor nutrition may contribute to an increase of tics. She indicated that a reduction of tic symptoms has been experienced by many who have eliminated environmental toxins and improved their diet. Although there been no scientific research done to support these ideas, parents in the audience commented on how they had noticed an improvement in their child’s symptoms when they monitored their diet and eliminated foods that trigger tic symptoms for their children. We appreciate Sheila Rogers providing information on the subject of complementary medicine, giving families an opportunity to make informed choices about the treatment they choose. Saturday evening the kids in attendance entertained everyone with a drum circle performance directed by Jana Broder, from Drum Magic, The kids also put on amusing skits they created themselves.
All the food and preparation was once again donated by the Loder family who brought in the supplies and cooks from their local Crabby Bills Seafood Restaurant. The Loder family has provided the food for all four Family Weekends and the event could not take place without their generous support. Sincere thanks to John Loder and his crew.
We would also like to thank USF for providing us with valuable resources for our parents and children. We look forward to continuing the relationship we have developed with this outstanding research university in the future.
We look forward to seeing you there next year! |
