Gurnee teen continues to educate community on Tourette syndrome

GURNEE – The American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois will honor Bradley Wilinski, 15, of Gurnee with the Youth Good Samaritan Award at the organization's 13th annual Heroes Breakfast on April 21 in Chicago, according to a news release.

The award is presented to an outstanding individual each year who courageously and selflessly responded to a significant or unexpected crisis or need. Wilinski is raising awareness of the challenges children and teens like him face with Tourette syndrome by showing people that even the most glaring flaws are beautiful, the release stated.

Fran Edwardson, CEO of American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois, said Wilinski makes the Red Cross community proud.

"Bradley stands out in so many ways," Edwardson said.

When Wilinski was in fourth grade, he was teased, mocked and bullied by children on the playground. He was diagnosed at age seven with Tourette syndrome, or TS, a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable muscle spasms and vocal outbursts. As Wilinski and his family learned more about his chronic condition, he began to grasp why he was misunderstood and saw his condition not as a limitation, but as an opportunity, the release stated.

"At first, I didn't want to talk about it. I missed a lot of school," Wilinski said. "TS brings on movements and sounds you can't control. I wanted kids to understand that. I also wanted to find other kids like me."

Wilinski started by showing his peers the challenges he faces every day. He asked his classmates to write and sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and then directed them to do it again, this time simulating what a person with TS would experience with a sudden jab of the pencil or a thunder of vocals. Children started seeing Wilinski in a new light, the release stated.

Selected as a Youth Ambassador for Illinois by the Tourette Syndrome Association, Wilinski continues to help those who are misunderstood by their condition. He has spoken to congressional leaders about the challenges of TS and participates in several fundraisers.

"TS can be a lonely diagnosis," Bradley's mother, Jan Wilinski said. "I'm so proud of the accomplishments he has done."

Award honorees were selected in 11 categories such as law enforcement. youth, and nurses, who have enhanced the welfare of the community through their heroic actions.

Visit www.redcross.org for more information.