CBS Movie Set To Enlighten Public On Misunderstood Disorder

December 3, 2008

Toronto, Ontario, December 3rd 2008 – CBS will air the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation Front of the Class on Sunday, December 7th, 2008, at 9:00 pm EST.

Front of the Class is inspired by the true story of Brad Cohen, a young man diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) who overcomes enormous odds to become an award-winning teacher and motivational speaker. Based on Brad′s Independent Publisher award winning book Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had, this poignant film portrays an accurate and inspiring depiction of this much misunderstood neurological disorder.

When Brad was growing up, teachers and other adults – even his father – interpreted Brad′s involuntary sounds and sudden jerking movements as attempts to get attention. He was teased by other kids. As a result, he hated school, until a principal recognized and acknowledged that Brad′s "acting up" was actually TS, and set out to educate the faculty, students and community.

Brad decided that he wanted to become the teacher he never had, despite his disorder and the roadblocks put in his way by an uninformed society. Even with his impressive college record and glowing recommendations, getting a job was an almost insurmountable challenge. He was turned down in 24 consecutive interviews, finally landing a job as an elementary teacher after his 25th attempt.

Brad′s openness about TS, as well as his easy-going manner and gentle humour, quickly won over his students. In addition to the traditional curriculum, the students learned valuable lessons in understanding and tolerance. By the end of his first year he had been named First Class Teacher of the Year for the state of Georgia.

He has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and in TS public service announcements, and is a mentor, role model and inspiration for many Canadian kids and teachers who have heard and met him at Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada (TSFC) events and conferences.

To schedule an interview with an individual with Tourette Syndrome or for further information on this disorder and the TSFC, please contact Executive Director Rosie Wartecker at rosie@tourette.ca, toll-free at 1.800.361.3120, local at 416.861.8398, or visit www.tourette.ca.

About the TSFC - Established in 1976, the TSFC is the only federally registered, charitable organization of volunteers assisting individuals affected by TS and its associated disorders through programs of education, advocacy, self-help and the promotion of research. It receives no government funding of any kind.

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For more information contact:
Rosie Wartecker
Executive Director
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
Phone: 416.861.8398
Email: rosie@tourette.ca
Website: tourette.ca

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