Thursday, March 30, 2006

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Floor Statement on Brad Cohen
Remarks as Delivered on the Senate Floor

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a remarkable young man, Brad Cohen. Brad is a teacher and an author. Brad Cohen is one of the more than 100,000 people in the United States who have full-blown Tourette syndrome.

I first met Brad through his loving father and my friend Norm Cohen. Later, as chairman of the State Board of Education, I visited Brad in his classroom at Mountain View Elementary. I marveled at Brad's ability to teach and hold young children spell-bound. I watched as Brad's occasional twitches and noises went unnoticed by his class. I watched a young teacher master both teaching and Tourette syndrome through determination and personal commitment.

Brad has authored a book titled ``Front of the Class, How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had.'' It is a story of personal challenge and determination. It is a story of a young man's dreams coming true. Brad's book is for everyone, and his twenty motivational tips on living with a disability are an inspiration for anyone. I commend Brad Cohen on the power of his life of achievement and the inspiration he has to the children he teaches.