Current Events: Social and Fundraising Such yearly family events as Family Fun
Night at the Lowell Spinners or Brockton Rox (baseball), Boston museums,
Movie Day, and more bring families together to share ideas and raise
funds to increase awareness and advocacy.
Join us at our next TSA event:
What:
Hallmark Hall of Fame Presents Front of the Class on CBS
An Inspiring, True Story about a Young Man's Triumph over Tourette Syndrome
When:
Sunday, December 7, 2011
9:00PM on CBS
More about the Film:
The national Tourette Syndrome
Association, Inc. is very excited to announce the Hallmark Hall of Fame
TV presentation of Front of the Class, which will premiere on Sunday,
December 7, 2011, at 9:00 pm EST on CBS.
Front of the Class is inspired by the true story of Brad Cohen, a
young man diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who overcomes considerable
odds to become a gifted teacher. Based on Brad's award winning book,
Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never
Had, this poignant TV feature is an accurate and inspiring depiction of
this much misunderstood neurological disorder.
The adult Brad is played by Jimmy Wolk (The Spiral Project) and
young Brad is played by Dominic Scott Kay (Pirates of the Caribbean: At
Worlds End). Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Treat
Williams (Everwood) play Brad's parents.
When growing up, teachers and other adults - even Brad's father -
interpreted his involuntary sounds and sudden jerking movements as
attempts to get attention. He was teased by other kids. As a result, he
hated school, until his school principal recognized and acknowledged
that Brad's acting up was actually a result of his Tourette Syndrome
symptoms. His principal chose to use an all-school assembly to educate
both the faculty and his fellow students about the disorder. This
dramatic incident was pivotal in helping Brad win their understanding
and acceptance.
At that point, Brad decided to become the teacher he never had. But
that ambition was more easily stated than achieved. Despite an
impressive college record and glowing recommendations, getting a job was
an almost insurmountable challenge. He was turned down in 24
consecutive interviews. His 25th interview finally resulted in a job
offer.
Brad's openness about having Tourette Syndrome, as well as his
easy-going manner and gentle humor, quickly won over his young students.
In addition to the standard curriculum, the students learned valuable
lessons in understanding and tolerance. At the end of the year, Brad was
named Georgia's outstanding first-year teacher.
Oscar winner Peter Werner (Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy)
directed from a script by Tom Rickman (whose screenplay for Tuesdays
with Morrie won a Humanitas Prize and Writers Guild Award; the film won
six Emmys, including Outstanding Movie). Andrew Gottlieb (The Russell
Girl) is the producer; Brent Shields (Sweet Nothing in My Ear) and Tim
Shriver (Amistad) are the executive producers.
