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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Celebrities with Tourette Syndrome

The question came up on the National Tourette Syndrome Association Facebook page yesterday as to what all celebrities have been diagnosed with TS. While the answers given didn't include all of them, it was quite interesting to find out who does have TS, who did have TS, and who is speculated to have TS.

One that immediately stuck out to me is NASCAR driver Steve Wallace. Son of driver Rusty Wallace, Steve is one of the younger drivers in NASCAR at this time. I've read somewhere that his uncle, NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace, has also stated that he was diagnosed. This is of particular interest to me, as well as to Monster Man, since Monster Man has (as I've mentioned in a previous post) talked a lot about driving for NASCAR someday. I would love for him to be able to meet these two drivers and to find out that it is still possible to make his dream come true!

Soccer players David Beckham and Tim Howard, x-treme motocross racer Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, minor league baseball players Jim Eisenreich and Mike Johnston, and retired pro golfer Calvin Peete are amongst the list of pro-athletes that been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.

There are also many comedians, musicians, and actors that make up the list of celebrities with TS. We were only a little surprised to see that Dan Aykroyd and Howie Mandel were both on the list. Robin Williams is speculated to have TS, though some say that his is a 'self-imposed' kind of Tourette Syndrome. There is also so research that suggests that Mozart might have had Tourette Syndrome, as well.

When you see the list of celebrities that have faced TS head on, overcoming the daily challenges to do what they love best, it gives a better idea of just how possible it is to reach your dreams even when faced with Tourette Syndrome.

1 comment:

  1. I know this is a long cry from NASCAR, but I am a racing driver with Tourette's. Later this year I will be attempting to break the individual world distance record for 24 hours in a go kart, with all money raised going to benefit the national Tourette Syndrome Association. I don't know how close this would be to you, but the attempt will take place in New Castle, IN. If it is not too far way, bring Monster Man out to the track and we can get him a few laps in a racing go kart. More info can be found at www.kart24hour.org, or on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/24-Hours-for-TSA/206830229352785.

    -Trey Shannon

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