According to the Tourette Association of America, “Tourette Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents and adults. The condition is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics. Tics can range from mild/inconsequential to moderate and severe, and are disabling in some cases.”

Effingham High School sophomore Lincoln Ervin, the son of Ryan and Nancy Ervin, was diagnosed with Tourette’s when he was in the third grade. Lincoln recently earned the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to meet with Illinois’ US Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Mike Bost to discuss Tourette Syndrome.