Who We Are
Ryan Lawrence was a spirited individual who had more strength than anyone could imagine. His life ended at 21 years old due to complications from Tourette's syndrome, but his strength has been passed on to help us create a foundation and act on his behalf to support research, treatments and advocacy.
Our foundation stands to make a difference for individuals suffering with Tourette's Syndrome. Our strength lies not in the words we stand by, but the actions of our initiatives.
The Board of Directors:
Greg Lawrence
Jim Lawrence
Evan Lawrence
Dr. Paul Sandor
Ron Kilius
Duane Coleman
Stephen Hretchka
Stuart Ellis-Myers
Ryan Lawrence Foundation
Supporting Tourette's Syndrome research, treatment and advocacy
We believe in taking action with urgency and care to serve those who need us most. Please join us by supporting our efforts to make a measurable difference in the lives of others. It’s time to make real change.
2024 Goals
Silent auction for a 4some at a Canadian Open Course
The 2nd annual Ryan Lawrence Classic golf tournament. The 2023 Ryan Lawrence Classic was a huge success for Tourette's Syndrome. Within 5 years Toronto will be one of the/if not the leader in the Tourette's research and treatment. Due to cases like Ryan, Dr. Christos Ganos, the leader in Tourette's research in the world has been recruited from Germany to come to Toronto to create the the top Tourette's research and clinical site in the world.
"Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population
worldwide. The symptoms include sudden, jerky involuntary movements and sounds that are a response
to an uncomfortable internal sensation like an itch. The symptoms begin usually in childhood often
when children enter the elementary school. The severity varies during a lifetime and different people
have more, or less severe symptoms. The tics tend to become les severe at the end of teens, but a
significant number of patients continue to have uncomfortable tics in adulthood. At the severe end of
the range the symptoms are very frequent, distressing and disabling. Ryan unfortunately experienced
very severe symptoms for many years, that were resistant to many efforts at treatment. Sadly, some of
his tics were self-destructive because he felt the need to repeatedly rub and press his eyes eventually
damaging his corneas leading to loss of vision. Corneal transplants became necessary and had to be
repeated more than once because of ongoing symptoms. Another severe tic involved pulling at the
corners of his mouth causing pronounced damage and scarring. Despite this, Ryan showed a remarkable
strength of the spirit, a resilience which is often found among TS patients.
As is the case in at least 50% of TS patients Ryan also struggled with ADHD that made his life more
difficult still. Fortunately, he did not have OCD that is experienced by at least 30% of TS population and
involve obsessive worries and compulsive, repetitive actions. Learning disabilities, insomnia and several
other problems are also more common.
TS treatment requires a wide range of expertise: psychiatrists or neurologist are usually the ones to
diagnose TS, first line treatment is a behavioural intervention usually provided by clinical psychologists.
Neuropsychologists conduct detailed evaluations to detect learning problems, impaired attention and
memory difficulties. Family issues and problems at school are best handled by social workers. In some
severe cases neurosurgeons can offer deep brain stimulation, though it is still a largely experimental
procedure.
No such comprehensive team exists in Ontario although such a collaborative multidisciplinary health
care team would be required to assess and manage TS patients with complex, severe symptoms. Ryan’s
struggle has inspired us to build such a clinic in his honour."
Dr. Paul Sandor
Toronto Western Hospital
"Your son’s story highlights an important aspect: Tourette’s can be lethal and it’s not just a matter of embarrassing tics. Clearly research needs to do more"
University of Florida
“Building a world class clinical research center at Toronto Western is an amazing way to honor Ryan’s memory. He inspired us and we can impact others which will be the best way to honor his memory.”
“Tourette’s syndrome is a very common, complex neuropsychiatric disorder. In is mildest form patients may be barely aware of the symptoms, including simple motor tics like blinking or nose twitching or vocal tics such as sniffing or throat clearing. However, severe symptoms can include more violent and disabling tics, a number of behavioural co-morbidities such as ADHD and OCD, and self-injurious behaviours, as was the case with Ryan. These patients require the management of a complex care team, particularly including experienced neuropsychologists, working in collaboration with psychiatrists and neurologists. The annual Ryan Lawrence Foundation golf tournament is a wonderful way of remembering a remarkable young man and working toward the development of a program that can help better manage Tourette patients, including those who experience the kinds of complex problems that Ryan suffered from.”
Brad Cohen - Teacher, Motivational Speaker, Individual the movie, Front of the Class was based on
“Living with Tourette Syndrome is never easy. But thousands of people must deal with it daily. I’ve overcoming my challenges to become an award winning teacher and the author of the book, Front of the Class, How Tourette Syndrome made me the Teacher I Never Had. It is great to see the Ryan Lawrence Foundation become established as we can find better ways to support the needs of those with Tourette’s. This Foundation will make a difference in such a meaningful way!” Brad Cohen, featured in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Front of the Class".
Dr. Elia Abi-Jaoude - MSc, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
"People with Tourette syndrome all too often fall in the cracks between neurology and psychiatry. While we have been making progress in the treatment of Tourette syndrome, options remain limited for those with severe, complex, treatment-resistant symptoms. Ryan’s passing, shocking as it is, moves us to wanting to do better. A dedicated multi-disciplinary complex care unit can help with improving the lives of those with severe symptoms, both by identifying treatments that alleviating the symptoms, and by finding ways to lessen their impact on the person."
Elia
Isabella Constantino
Tourette Syndrome (TS) and OCD have been a part of my life since the age of seven. They presented a set of challenges, physically, mentally and socially, that required a tremendous amount of understanding and education by everyone in my life. There were periods where the extreme symptoms claimed normality, creating imbalances in many areas of my life. To cope, I had to find ways to navigate functionality, maintain my mental health in the face of these extreme physical challenges, and find balance.
In my own effort to navigate life, neurological issues and mental health, many forms of visual and performing arts have comforted, inspired, and encouraged me when I've needed it most, providing space to heal and space to grow. I was featured in the films, "The David Dance", "The Vow", "The Key" and "My Tourette's". I found confidence and my voice through acting when I felt embarrassed and self-conscious about my tics. I found focus and peace through drawing when I was overwhelmed with the sensations in my body. I found ways to connect with my body, regulate my nervous system and move more freely through yoga and dance.
The community of medical professionals and peers who continue to encourage me are the reason I can give back today. They remind me that challenges can be overcome with science, patience and resilience. I hope to use the compassion and knowledge
shared with me to help others on their journeys. Therefore, I am so honored to support the Ryan Lawrence Foundation Clinic.
Resources for Family Physicians
This is a resource for Physicians for referral sources. Remember your Physician should be your primary source of information. The lists of resources include conventional and unconventional treatments.
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