News & Events

Elmwood poet wins first place at Kids for TS Competition

Daphnée Dubouchet-Olsheski has been awarded first place in the provincial KIDS for TS Competition with the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada for her poem, Unstoppable, Incurable and Unfair.

Touched by the plight of Tourette Syndrome sufferers, Daphnée's research delved into the lives of children affected by the neurological disorder, finding it unfair that there is no cure for Tourette's, which is characterized by sudden involuntary actions.

Daphnée's poem will be showcased in various branches of the Ottawa Public Library and corporations throughout the city to bring awareness and understanding to the disorder.

Daphnée Dubouchet-Olsheski (middle) with Kids for TS Competition winners

Unstoppable, Incurable and Unfair
By: Daphnée Belle Dubouchet-Olsheski

Everyday people stare at me,
Waiting for my moment of insanity.

I go under the desk and try to hide.
It’s uncomfortable to keep inside.

I yell bad words and jerk my head.
It doesn’t go away when I’m in bed.

It’s like a yawn or a sneeze.
Kids don’t understand, so they tease.

Don’t people know we’re born this way?
It didn’t just happen yesterday.

It’s unstoppable, incurable and unfair.
Why do people have to stare?

Even though I have a tick,
Doesn’t mean I’m very sick.

I’m just a normal kid like you.
I like boys and movies, too!

Related Links:

• Elmwood student has award-winning poem published
• Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada, Ottawa Chapter