The Kelsey B. Diamantis TS Scholarship Family Foundation, Inc.
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Mission Statement
Founded in 2014, The Kelsey B. Diamantis TS Scholarship Family Foundation, Inc. dba Dollars 4 Tic Scholars, a charitable tax exempt 501c3 non-profit organization, began as an effort to encourage students with Tourette Syndrome to attend college and to stay in college through awarding scholarships. Diane and Kelsey Diamantis, mother and daughter co-founders of the organization, realized there was a void in the availability of national college scholarships when Kelsey, who has Tourette Syndrome, searched to no avail for college scholarships that would recognize and support her specific challenges and the school performance struggles of those with Tourette. In response, Dollars 4 Tic Scholars was created to promote the opportunity to attend college, whereby students with Tourette Syndrome can pursue their futures, and transform their lives.
About This Cause
According to the CDC and National Tourette Syndrome Association, it is estimated that 1 in 100 school-aged children are living with Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder. Tourette is a neurological disorder characterized by chronic, uncontrollable motor and vocal tics. Both types of tics must be present for a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome. Beginning in childhood, children may be diagnosed with symptoms as early as the ages of 3-9. Although symptoms can be treated with medication, there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome. Among children diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, roughly 86% have a co-occurring diagnosis such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. More than 1/3 of people with Tourette Syndrome also have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Perhaps most troubling is that children with Tourette Syndrome experience their worst tic symptoms in their early teens, finding it difficult to concentrate in school. Children with Tourette may also experience associated mental health conditions including depression and anxiety that may continue into adulthood. The resulting academic implications of these involuntary tics are that these students face challenging educational situations including difficulty in concentrating, absorbing material, and trying not to create distractions in the classroom. In many cases, educators believe tics are intentional attempts at gaining attention or being disruptive. It should be clearly stated that Tourette Syndrome does not affect an individual’s intelligence. Many people with Tourette Syndrome are identified as gifted and talented. Like many health conditions, Tourette Syndrome can be costly to diagnose and expensive to treat. Regardless, families of children with Tourette Syndrome are dedicated to providing comfort and a sense of normalcy for their children, including the pursuit of a college education. Numerous studies have detailed the financial benefits provided by a college education. On average, college graduates earn 56% more than high school graduates (Economic Policy Institute, August 2015). An increase in earnings positions college graduates with the feasibility of home ownership, retirement savings and expanded job search opportunities. With that said, college costs are expensive and can be burdensome to pay. Students with Tourette Syndrome may face additional financial hurdles for costs associated with special requirements including tutors, medication costs, class retakes, therapy costs, private dorm rooms, psych-ed testing, or sensory equipment, such as weighted blankets and noise-cancelling headphones. Dollars 4 Tic Scholars seeks to provide students with Tourette Syndrome with the opportunity to attend college and transform their lives. In its relatively-short history, Dollars 4 Tic Scholars has awarded 13 college scholarships. With an eye to expand its programs, the organization has added a graduate student scholarship for 2018. In addition, to support younger ages of children with Tourette Syndrome, Dollars 4 Tic Scholars has sponsored six children to attend Camp Twitch and Shout, a summer camp for children with Tourette Syndrome, where co-founder Kelsey Diamantis has volunteered as a camp counselor for multiple summers. By awarding scholarships to offset the costs of higher education, Dollars 4 Tic Scholars makes it possible for students to focus on completing their college degree instead of on the financial burden of tuition, room and board, books and fees. Our applicants exemplify great fortitude by challenging their circumstances of Tourette Syndrome to reach a bright future.