'Tourette's hero' wants your laughs, not your pity

Think Tourette's Syndrome is a laughing matter? So does Jess Thom, "Tourette's Hero." Thom invented the alter ego and website after a friend said the "crazy language machine" of her mouth was a gift, not a curse. "Tourette's is not the hero's problem, it is her power," Thom says. She also gave an interview to describe her condition and its trademark tics, most notably and noticeably "biscuit" and "Happy Birthday." Some commenters commended her bravery, but some thought she sent the wrong message. "My kids loved her on telly a few months back, but I think for the wrong reason," wrote "sleep2much." That's why it's called being a hero: It ain't always easy.