TSA Announces: Front of the Class, the true story of Brad Cohen

[Guest guest]

fyi since some of you and yours also have tourettes listed on the resume

The national Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. is very excited toannounce the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV presentation of Front of theClass, which will premiere on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at 9:00 pm ESTon CBS.Front of the Class is inspired by the true story of Brad Cohen, ayoung man diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who overcomes considerableodds to become a gifted teacher. Based on Brad's award winning book,Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I NeverHad, this poignant TV feature is an accurate and inspiring depictionof this much misunderstood neurological disorder. The adult Brad is played by Jimmy Wolk (The Spiral Project) and youngBrad is played by Dominic Kay (Pirates of the Caribbean: AtWorlds End). Heaton (Everybody Loves ) and Treat (Everwood) play Brad's parents.When growing up, teachers and other adults - even Brad's

father -interpreted his involuntary sounds and sudden jerking movements asattempts to get attention. He was teased by other kids. As a result,he hated school, until his school principal recognized andacknowledged that Brad's acting up was actually a result of hisTourette Syndrome symptoms. His principal chose to use an all-schoolassembly to educate both the faculty and his fellow students about thedisorder. This dramatic incident was pivotal in helping Brad win theirunderstanding and acceptance.At that point, Brad decided to become the teacher he never had. Butthat ambition was more easily stated than achieved. Despite animpressive college record and glowing recommendations, getting a jobwas an almost insurmountable challenge. He was turned down in 24consecutive interviews. His 25th interview finally resulted in a joboffer.Brad's openness about having Tourette Syndrome, as well as

hiseasy-going manner and gentle humor, quickly won over his youngstudents. In addition to the standard curriculum, the students learnedvaluable lessons in understanding and tolerance. At the end of theyear, Brad was named Georgia's outstanding first-year teacher. winner Werner (Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy)directed from a script by Tom Rickman (whose screenplay for Tuesdayswith Morrie won a Humanitas Prize and Writers Guild Award; the filmwon six Emmys, including Outstanding Movie). Gottlieb (The Girl) is the producer; Brent Shields (Sweet Nothing in My Ear)and Tim Shriver (Amistad) are the executive producers. We encourage you to share this email with friends, family, educators,physicians, neighbors and co-workers, so they can have an opportunityto view a factual, educational and heartwarming portrayal of someonewith Tourette Syndrome. To forward this email

to those you know, clickhere.TSA will be sending another e-mail a week before the premiere withadditional information and a special message from Brad Cohen as areminder to tune in to this extraordinary film.For more information about Front of the Class, please visit thenational Tourette Syndrome Association website.