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 TSA Board Member Marcie Kirkpatrick Lipsitz, Texas Congressman Chet Edwards and TSA President Judit Ungar |
 TSA President Judit Ungar, Pete Eagen, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Pat Eagen and Dr. John Walkup |
 Margaret Bush with TSA Board Member Nancy Thomas Baker and Jennifer and Jane Zwilling |
Congressional Members and their staff gathered on April 3, 2008 in the U.S. Capitol to join the TSA, Board Members and special guests for the 4th Annual Congressional Reception. The Honorary Congressional Co-Chairs were Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY); Representatives Chet Edwards (D-TX) and Frank Wolf (R-VA). The reception Co-Chairs were Bernard and Audre Rapoport, Marvin and Margaret Bush. TSA’s Board Members Nancy Thomas Baker, Marcie Kirkpatrick Lipsitz and Randi Zemsky served as Co-Chairs of the reception planning committee.
 TSA Board Members Michael Wolff, Marcie Kirkpatrick Lipsitz, Randi Zemsky, Rovena Schirling, Bruce Ochsman, Sandra Hollis, Nancy Thomas Baker and President Judit Ungar |
 Colin Shoff with Stephen Michael McCall |
 Congressman Steny Hoyer with TSA Youth Ambassadors |
Opening the event with a heartfelt thank you message was Co-Chair Margaret Bush. She gave thanks to Congress for its generous support of the Tourette Syndrome Public Health, Education, and Research Program at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Following her remarks, another official welcome was given by Bruce Ochsman, TSA National Board Member and Senior Vice President for Investments at UBS Financial Services in Bethesda, Maryland.
Bruce spoke about his personal experience with TS and shared his dedication to furthering awareness of TS. “As a successful adult with TS, and being so grateful for the life I have today, it is my undertaking to help other people and families also touched by TS, that is why I am here today.”
Other speakers included TSA’s Youth Ambassadors including Hunter Lindberg, Jasper Bledsoe, Colin Shoff and Jennifer Zwilling, who thanked attendees taking the time to come and learn more about TS from those who live with it every day. In addition, Dr. John Walkup, Chair of the TSA Medical Advisory Board gave a concise description of TS, declaring that the attendees, “… now know more than most doctors do about TS” emphasizing the need for more medical training and outreach across the country.
Majority Leader of the House of Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD) honored us with his presence along with his colleague Congressman Chet Edwards, both longtime supporters of the TSA. Congressman Edwards thanked the TS advocates for putting a real face on the issues. stating, “Thank you for what you are doing – for making a difference today. As Winston Churchill said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but make a life out of what we give.’ What you are all doing today is giving of yourself, giving of your time to make a difference for others. And there will be thousands of families who will benefit from your efforts.”
The Congressional Reception this year was included as part of TSA’s biannual Conference and Trip to the Hill Program. The importance is to highlight the works of Congress in supporting TS related issues and raising awareness of this inherited neurobiological disorder; however this year with so many of our chapters in attendance, the TSA provided an opportunity for members to meet and greet their constituents.
“Truly the outcome was an inspiring open exchange of information and insights between the TSA, its members and Congress,” said Elridge Proctor, Director of TSA Public Policy.
Special thanks go to the many people who made the reception successful, including all of our Honorary Congressional Co-Chairs and event Co-Chairs, but especially Senator Gordon Smith for securing the Mansfield Room of the Capitol to hold the reception.
Click here to read related story about TSA's April 2008 National Conference.
Media/Press Inquiries: 718-224-2999, ext. 236; email: tracy.flynn@tsa-usa.org
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