Thursday January 28th the Houston Country Club ballroom made for the perfect setting for the 2010 Deep In Our Hearts In Texas gala benefiting the Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas.  Honorary Chairman Elizabeth Farish opened up the lovely evening honoring guests Melissa Binstock, Rocky Franzen, Carlos Guerra Jr, M.D., and Keith Seilhan.  On the menu featured Hill Country BBQ shrimp, Texas blackened rib eye steak, and chocolate praline pecan tart for dessert.

In between a great meal and a lively auction hosted by Auctioneer Renee Jones, Author Melissa Binstock shared her touching story with the patrons.  She wrote a book called “Nourishment:  When My Body Betrayed Me”, a memoir about her struggle to overcome Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, anorexia nervosa and dyslexia.  Melissa is truly an inspiration for us all.

I had an opportunity to meet Ethan Brister, son of board members Daryl and Barbara Brister.  Ethan was diagnosed with Tourette's at the early age of six.  He and his brother both are living with this disorder.  Ethan says his family moved to Houston because of the amazing doctors.  He also says the Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas has allowed him to go camping, to swimming parties, and it has helped him improve his overall daily life.

(Event photos are at the end of this story)

 

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurobehavioral movement disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics.  Beginning in childhood, it caused those affected to make movements and noises they cannot control.  Although medication helps control the symptoms, as of yet there is no cure.

Pictured Above: author Melissa Binstock and her mother Cathy Binstock

Pictured Above: Ethan Brister & auction puppy

Pictured Above: Sheryl Kadman & Cindy Sackam

Pictured Above: Shajid Sharif & Jessica Vu

Pictured Above: Robert Hindman, Robert Maurice, Beverly Maurice

Pictured Above: Farish sons

Pictured Above: Nicole Brende & Elizabeth Farish