Fundraise for Us

There are many ways you can fundraise for TANZ. Whether you want to organise your own event or activity; take part in a sponsored event; fundraise in celebration of a special occasion or in memory of a loved one – your support will ensure that Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) sufferers and supporters have someone to talk to, a network of support and resources to call upon and the comfort of knowing they are not alone.

 
You can fundraise with family, a group of friends, at school, college or work.

Whichever way you choose to fundraise for us, we are here to support you.

If you’d like to talk with us about fundraising for TANZ, please contact [email protected].

 

Examples of Fundraising

 

In celebration of a special occasion

If you’re celebrating a special occasion and would like to support TANZ, you could give your guests the opportunity to donate to TANZ in lieu of buying a gift. You can set up a personalised Online Donation page and we can provide Donation Forms or envelopes for you to distribute with your invitation or at your celebration event.

In Memory of a Loved One

If you are arranging a funeral or memorial service you might like to ask for donations to TANZ in lieu of flowers.
We can provide Donation Forms and envelopes for you to distribute at the service or you can set up a personalised online donation page for those unable to attend the service.

FAQS

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is characterised by vocal and motor tics that range from mild to extreme in severity. Individuals can have singular tics, however both vocal and motor tics have to have been present for at least a year for an individual to be diagnosed with TS.

Why is it called Tourette Syndrome?

The syndrome is named after Georges Gilles de la Tourette, a French physician and neurologist. He was credited with defining the syndrome in 1885 after spending many years studying why certain people displayed sudden twitches and vocalisations.

What causes TS?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a genetic, neurological disorder that occurs during childhood. Not all children that inherit the TS gene display the traits that are associated with the disorder. Boys more commonly inherit the gene associated with TS. The ratio of girls vs. boys being diagnosed with TS is 1:4.

Is there a cure for Tourette’s?

No. At the moment the exact gene and neurons that cause TS are not known so there is no cure. Medication can in some cases help with suppressing the tics associated with TS.

Do the tics go away?

Remission can occur in adulthood. Some literature reports that 1/3 of adults have no tics; 1/3 still occasionally have mild tics and 1/3 will continue to have the same level of tics.

How many children in New Zealand are diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome?

The New Zealand Organisation for Rare Disorders endorses the Australian Tourette Syndrome Association statistics of 1:1000 children having TS. Not all of those with TS will be diagnosed with TS due to the mild nature of their symptoms.

Is Tourette’s a mental health disorder?

No, TS is not categorised as a mental health disorder. However many of the disorders that co-exist with TS like ADHD, OCD or depression are recognised mental health disorders and the psychological impact or issues associated with TS are treatable by mental health practitioners.

Does everyone who has TS swear?

No. Only a small percentage of those diagnosed with TS have coprolalia – an extreme vocal tic that causes the person to repeat inappropriate words.

What does ‘comorbid’ mean?

This term is used when a disease or disorder occurs simultaneously with another disease or disorder.

Will having TS shorten my lifespan?

Those diagnosed with TS can expect to live to normal life expectancy.

Get in Touch. Get Involved.

Send us your message below