NANCY CHICHIOCO-RAZON
MICHAEL CHICHIOCO is my nephew, the eldest of my youngest brother based in San Francisco. He was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome when he was 14 years old with symptoms present when he was around 5y.o.
Living with Tourette’s Syndrome*, Michael experienced many obstacles presented by his condition, and developed a deep passion for sharing his story and for inspiring others who might struggle in similar ways.
A statement from Michael: “Although I’ve been faced with many obstacles so far, I’ve always found a way to venture past these obstacles. Every time I share my story with anyone, my confidence level rises and I slowly start to accept who I am no matter what differences I have!”
The video below was taken in 2015, when he was a junior at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, California. He went to college at Northeastern University where he graduated as a Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree major in Biochemistry in 2020.
Michael is now 24 y.o. and is currently working in a Biotechnology company in Boston doing chemistry research/drug development while waiting to move back to San Francisco and start with his Medical Studies at UCSF. He continues to share his story and be an inspiration to people struggling with TS or others who are facing some challenges in life.
*Tourette syndrome –
Tourette syndrome is a condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing people to make repeated movements and sounds, also known as motor and vocal tics, that they cannot control. The symptoms usually begin in childhood, can vary from mild to severe, and change over time. Tourette can cause problems for children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Inspiring is an understatement. So, so proud of you, Michael! AMDG.
Congratulations, Michael on your very inspiring message! So apt especially during this time when we are facing so many challenges in life.
Keep up the good work! God bless you on your future endeavors!
Michael , you’re truly the perfect example of one who overcame and is continuously transcending TS in your own way! May you continue to reach out to countless others who need your brand of inspiration , hope and optimism!!!God bless you!🙏👏👍
Michael, I wonder if you realize how refreshing and shining a messenger you are of courage and resilience, of believing in one’s self, of trusting that there is light beyond shadows that you will step into soon enough or sometimes, as you already have experienced, even more swiftly than you expect.
THANK YOU, MICHAEL, from one humbled septuagenarian whom you just left in awe. God keep you through all the promising years to come. Then again, I believe He’s already long been on it.
Wow, Michael, for one so young, you already have touched so many lives with your inspiring life journey.
“Focus on your abilities rather than your disabilities,” you embody an overcomer and achiever amidst challenges….. go forth, Michael, continue to shine and inspire.
What a great talk! May I have permission to share this with our school community?
Such positive attitude and outlook! Yes, there is always something good from something which initially does not seem good – the flip side. Thank you Michael for reminding us to be empathetic and compassionate. That we be more conscious of our actions and reactions because of the great impact they have on other people. Keep up your good job on being an ambassador of positivity and optimism!
Comments are closed.