Tess Kowalski was only six years old when she was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS), a neurological condition that causes involuntary movements or sounds known as tics. Just entering kindergarten, she was understandably shy about revealing her disorder to her classmates.

A decade later, this Plainsboro teen is anything but quiet about the condition she deals with daily. Tess, along with fellow 16-year-olds Hallie Hoffman of Hillsborough and Ally Abad of North Brunswick, are part of a state-driven movement to demystify Tourette Syndrome.

“It makes us want to do and say things that seem really out of place,” Tess explains about the disorder in an informational video to publicize the 3rd Annual Walks for TS at Mercer County Park, taking place this Sunday, April 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. Proceeds will go to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS) Education Outreach Program, which provides in-service trainings and Youth Advocate presentations to schools and hospitals across the state.

According to the NJTCS, one in 100 New Jersey children are living with Tourette Syndrome. The condition is frequently accompanied by other neurological or mental health disorders such as ADD/ADHD, OCD, school phobias, depression, anxiety, and sleep and mood disorders. Those affected often report feelings of isolation and have been bullied because of their tics. Tourette Syndrome varies in its severity.

“It can be very mild,” said Tess during a telephone interview. “But for a lot of people, it is an obvious disorder to have. The thing is that it’s not very well known. More than half the people I’ve told about it did not know what it was.”

Ally Abad was diagnosed at the end of third grade. “I didn’t really know what to do,” the North Brunswick Township High School sophomore said last week. “We weren’t sure where to go. I was getting into trouble at school. But then we found NJCTS. They’ve helped do outreach programs for schools, and educate teachers, doctors, and therapists.”

Ally, Tess, and Hallie are youth co-chairs of the Saturday event. Senator Linda Greenstein, Assemblymen Daniel Benson, and Wayne DeAngelo are on the honorary committee. “Our representatives from the eighth district continue to make NJ Walks for TS at Princeton a joyful event and we’re grateful for their support,” said NJCTS executive director Faith W. Rice, in a press release. “We invite the residents of the communities they serve to join us on April 3 and take part in a growing movement of awareness and empowerment.”

The walks were started in 2010 by kids with Tourette Syndrome as a way to fight bullying and create positive awareness. Future events will take place in September in Medford Lakes and Mendham. Tess and her sister Paige, 13, whose parents have been hosts since 2014, were the inspiration for the Princeton event. Tess, Ally, and Hallie are asking residents and local businesses to show support by registering for the 5K walk and family fun run.

“Having so many people from the local community, whether they have TS or not, makes everyone feel incredibly encouraged and accepted,” said Hallie. “Whether you have TS or not, the walk is a fun and active event that takes little effort but makes a huge difference for the people affected by its benefits.”

Ally plans to make a brief speech at this weekend’s event before setting out on the walk herself. A regular fundraiser for the cause, she has enlisted the help of her school’s soccer team and principal. Tess was 12 when she made the decision to stop hiding her condition and work for change in the public’s awareness. “I gave a talk at school. I started giving talks at hospitals,” she said. “I gave one at Yale a year and a half ago. But about three years ago, I decided I wanted to do more than just give talks. I wanted to help NJCTS. These walks support them and the educational outreach, which allows us to go into schools and spread awareness.”

The registration fee for the walk is $25. Food from The Corner Bakery Cafe, a silent auction, a raffle, and music from the radio station NJ 101.5 are part of the event. Visit www.njcts.org for more information.