"Everyone has a story." It's a phrase close to home here at THV11. Everyone has a story and everyone has their battles.
Longtime THV11 viewers may know that our Chief Meteorologist, Ed Buckner, has Tourette Syndrome. He's been public about it for over a decade now, and this week CBS News Correspondent David Begnaud revealed that he also has Tourette's.
After David revealed this on Twitter, Ed commended David for helping spread awareness and acceptance.
In 2007, Ed shared his story with our viewers, discussing his childhood with the syndrome and misconceptions that people may have. He said that when he first went to the doctor, he was told it was a nervous tick. However, he noticed that it got worse in his 20s and 30s.
"Through faith, perseverance and attitude you can get through anything that life gives you," he said.
Later, he was put on medication that he said put him in a lethargic state-of-mind. Instead, he decided to accept the syndrome and stopped taking the medicine. He said that though it's exhausting and constantly on his mind, it's a part of him that he's not going to hide.
"You can embrace it and do something good with or you can try to hide it and curse it," he said.
Now, Ed and David got to have a conversation about their life in the spotlight and the impact they both hope to make.
"I wasn't going to let Tourette's to stop me," David said. "I want to make this clear to every parent or patient who is out there watching: Tourette's has not stopped me from anything. In fact, it's been a fuel booster for me."
Though both admitted that working in front of cameras has been difficult, they agreed that having the syndrome has made them more motivated.
They're sharing their stories now in hopes of comforting and inspiring other patients, who may be bullied or held back by the syndrome.