This will be the second year Hudson has organized the trek which is meant to take place no matter what the weather is the day of the walk. That’s because Tourette syndrome, and many of the disorders that fall in its category such as Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Aspergers are also unpredictable but those diagnosed still have to manage day to day living with them.

This year’s trek will take place Sunday, March 21 in the afternoon. Hudson has mapped out a route around the town and is encouraging individuals to raise funding for Tourette or simply participate in the walk and learn more about the condition.

Hudson has Tourette syndrome, OCD and Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder. Her eight-year-old son Christopher also has Tourette syndrome, OCD,  ADHD and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder.

According to the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada website, Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological or “neurochemical” disorder characterized by tics — involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly in the same way.

In an article she wrote for the Oyen Echo, Hudson encouraged individuals to attend the trek and ask her about her condition.

“Don’t be afraid to come up to me. I don’t bite, I just twitch.” she wrote.

Hudson says the biggest reason she organizes the walk in Oyen is so people will learn more about these disorders and realize the people who live with them are still normal people.

“Anything can distract my son,” she says, about his biggest struggle. “The simple things people take for granted in life are a struggle for him everyday.”

Hudson says it can take hours for her to get her son off to school in the morning. People with OCD and DCD can come off as ditzy and uncontrollable. That’s because living with the conditions is like watching television but someone is constantly changing the channel.

“All we’re wanting is support and understanding,” says Hudson.

Anyone looking for information about the Trek for Tourette or to collect pledges can visit Hudson’s Facebook page by searching “Come Trek in 2010 for Tourette’s in OYEN, AB.” Information is also available online at: http://www.tourette.ca/.

A prize is available for the top fundraiser in each location a trek is held. Everyone who raises a minimum of $25 receives a toque and a second annual Trek for Tourette pin. Anyone who raises more than $75 also gets a Trek t-shirt.