About Us

By sharing our love for tennis, we hope to create an environment where individuals with Tourette’s can thrive, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Our Purpose

Tennis for Tourette’s is a foundation that strives to enhance the lives of children with Tourette’s through the game of tennis. Tennis encourages higher levels of focus and physical activity that may benefit individuals with Tourette syndrome. Thus, our objective is to promote health and passion for children with Tourette’s through free tennis lessons.
We are also dedicated to raising awareness for this cause by donating proceeds from additional tennis lessons, fundraising efforts, and community contributions to Tourette syndrome research advocacy organizations. Through our passion for tennis, we aim to enhance the lives of individuals impacted by Tourette’s, both on and off the court.

Our Vision

Tennis is not only a sport but a tool for improving physical and mental well-being. By introducing individuals with Tourette’s to tennis, we hope to provide a constructive outlet for energy which can help reduce the severity of tics. The focus and coordination inherent to tennis can help enhance concentration and motor skills, offering a therapeutic benefit. Moreover, the social interaction and camaraderie that comes with playing tennis can boost self-esteem and provide a supportive community.

Why Tourette's?

Approximately 1 in 100 children ages 5-17 are affected by Tourette syndrome, highlighting the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and access to appropriate therapies and support systems for impacted children and their families.
 
While many have heard of this condition, understanding of Tourette syndrome is frequently limited to stereotypes or misconceptions, often leading to stigma and social challenges for these individuals. Making continued efforts to raise awareness and educate the public is essential to provide a more accurate understanding of the condition.

Meet the Instructors

Dalia attends Wellesley College (’27) and is co-captain of the Wellesley tennis team.

Nadia attends Tufts University (’28) and plays for the Tufts Women’s tennis team.

Shiv attends St. John’s School (’26) in Houston and is co-captain of the Boys Varsity tennis team.

Support Our Mission

There are many ways to support us!

Donate

Make a monetary donation to help sponsor a child’s lesson or purchase gear

Volunteer

Spread the word

Dalia

Dalia Khera attends Wellesley College (’27) and is co-captain for the Wellesley Woman’s tennis team. She is majoring in history while completing pre-medical requirements with the aspiration of pursuing a career in medicine. As co-captain of the Wellesley Women’s tennis team, Dalia has demonstrated her leadership and commitment to academics, earning honors such as the 2024 ITA Scholar Athlete and the 2024 NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship award. Passionate about making a difference, she is dedicated to working with underserved populations and actively engages with her community to create positive change. Dalia enjoys utilizing her tennis skills to support individuals in need, embodying her belief in the power of sport to foster connection and empowerment.

Nadia

Nadia Khera attends Tufts University (’28) and is a recruited player for the Tufts Women’s tennis team. She plans to study pre-medical courses, pursuing a career in medicine eventually, while bringing her competitive spirit and leadership skills from her role as co-captain of her varsity high school tennis team to the Tufts Women’s tennis team. Nadia has been honored in the past with the St. John’s School Breakout Athlete of the Year, the Southwest Preparatory Conference All Zone Player, and the All-Southwest
Preparatory Conference Award, recognizing her dedication and achievements in the sport. Committed to making a positive impact, she aims to use her tennis skills to contribute to her community and inspire others through her passion for both sports and service.

Shiv

Shiv Khera attends St. John’s School (’26) in Houston and has been an avid tennis player since the age of six. Currently serving as co-captain of the St. John’s Boys varsity tennis team, Shiv demonstrates leadership and dedication both on and off the court. He is actively involved in multiple community projects that leverage his passion for tennis to make a positive impact. Through his initiatives, Shiv aims to inspire others and promote values of teamwork, perseverance, and service, to make a difference in the community at large.

Donation Disclaimer

If you are interested in donating to Tennis for Tourette’s, first of all, thank you! We are accepting donations through the Tourette Association of America – Texas Chapter website. When donating, please note that the donation is for Tennis for Tourette’s. Thank you!

$118,911

Raised so far