Special to the Tribune Chronicle Britney Wolf, 29, of Champion, has Tourette Syndrome and has organized a 5K fun run today at Kent State University at Trumbull to raise funds for research. Her dogs, Izzy, left, and Brooklyn, are part of her support system, she said.

CHAMPION — “I don’t like to talk about the bad days often. I have more good days than bad ones.”

Those words were spoken recently by Britney Wolf, 29, whose passions include her two dogs, dancing and her job at Nestle Corp. in Solon, which she said is the best job she has ever had. But she also has a passion for helping others with Tourette Syndrome — a neurological disorder she has had for more than 20 years.

“The only time I saw Tourette Syndrome growing up was on TV or in movies, as a punch line,” she said.

Wolf is concerned people often characterize the approximately 200,000 Americans diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, also known as Tourette’s or TS, by the verbal tic, which is defined as an involuntary outburst of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks, commonly associated with the syndrome. Although about 10 percent of people with TS have this characteristic, more common symptoms accompanying Tourette’s are motor tics, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Wolf said.

Having the verbal tic can lead to bullying for those afflicted.

“I was blessed that I had classmates’ understanding, in both junior high and high school. My huge saving grace was being open to get to them before they could get to me,” said Wolf, who does not have the more stigmatized verbal tic.

She said she is fortunate to have what is considered a mild case and has been “blessed” by both a supportive family and friends throughout her life who did not make her feel inferior.

“I have to thank my mom, my parents, my whole supportive family, really,” she said.

Wolf said as a kid, she felt that her mother wanted her to know the tics didn’t matter. Living with Tourette’s makes it important that you begin by telling your story and accepting yourself, Wolf said.

She has drawn attention to the syndrome through her social media presence and her own fundraising event. The first One Tic At A Time 5K Fun Run was at Eastwood Field in August. The 2019 version will be today at Kent State University at Trumbull.

Wolf has what she calls a “super passion” to educate the public about Tourette Syndrome, which she was diagnosed with as a kid.

“At 7, mom noticed I sniffed a lot. I had to blow my nose, and Mom and Grandma were always telling me to wipe it,” she said. “I remember riding in the car and not being able to control my stomach,” she said, recalling the first experience of “tics,” which can be anything — an interruption in writing, a shake in her leg or a kicking of her feet when she walks.

The cause of the syndrome is not known, and no medications specifically geared toward Tourette’s are available. There are some, but they are tied to curing epilepsy or migraines and have side effects, including stomachaches.

Wolf became an advocate for the syndrome on social media in part as a response to questions she got.

“When I was younger, I would never see it discussed and thought, ‘If I don’t talk, who will?'” she said.

Wolf said she has been inspired by the response to her event last year, where it was “great to raise money” — about $5,000 — and she said she hopes to raise $10,000 in 2019.

“What really I am super passionate about, though, is awareness,” she said.

Proceeds from today’s event will go to the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation headed by Cohen, who is diagnosed with TS and has used his platform as an award-winning elementary school teacher, school principal and TS advocate to help others.

“Britney was so inspired by my story that she wanted to do a 5K Race to help support children with Tourette Syndrome. The funny thing is, Britney is the type of person who inspires me,” Cohen said.

Cohen called Wolf an “incredible motivated person who has a big heart” and credits her as someone who helps “fuel my passion to continue making a difference in the TS community.”

In addition to making the difference, Wolf said she hopes to keep advocating and providing information that will help others cope with the daily effects of the syndrome. It is life, Wolf said, she has learned to deal with.

“Sometimes bad days come out of nowhere,” she said. “Emotion ramps the ticcing up.”

Other triggers include fear of tornadoes or thunderstorms, along with stress like starting a new job or grieving, Wolf said. She has tried medications, especially in college when test-taking made her nervous, but was discouraged by side effects. These days, she tries to handle things a little differently. A healthy diet, exercise and stress relief are a big part of treatment, along with her dogs, Izzy and Brooklyn.

“They make the day better,” she said.

Another supporter, her husband, Scott, said he has been there on the bad days, which has made him aware of the opportunities he has to be there for his wife.

“I view it as a learning opportunity. I put myself in her position, being there for her to make it better,” he said.

And there are times, and days, that are worse than others, Wolf said. And she still finds it difficult to ask for support as when she is not able to control her movements enough to drive the distance to work.

“I mean, as a 29-year-old, you don’t want to ask someone to drive you,” she said. “I’m pretty young. I like to be able to go on my own.”

“She sometimes gets this thought, she thinks she is a burden. This has never been the case,” Scott Wolf said. “At the end of the day, I am insanely proud of her.”