This Sunday at sunset, 15 landmarks across New York will shimmer in teal. Alexandra Cuttler '26 is responsible for the statewide light show.
Six years ago, Alexandra and her family were driving home from a family birthday party on the other side of the Hudson River. Alexandra's family lives in Ardsley, just a few miles east of the river, and they were accustomed to regular trips back and forth across the Tappan Zee Bridge. In the fall of 2018, the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge replaced the Tappan Zee, and on their maiden voyage across the 16,368 feet twin cable-stayed bridge, Alexandra gawked at the all-new LED lights. She made an off-hand comment in the car that the bridge would look better in teal. Her mom, in all seriousness, told Alexandra, "Why don't you look into it?"
Alexandra was given several misdiagnoses when she was younger, and it wasn't until she was 12 that a doctor finally had an answer that made sense. Alexandra lives with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder causing involuntary tics and vocalizations. Alexandra's tics, which surfaced in the second grade, include excessive blinking and coughing. The coughing tic eventually manifested as shrieking.
"When I finally got the right diagnosis, I was actually really happy. My attitude was, 'I can work with this.' My family and I did plenty of research, and I realized I can be successful. It was a moment of relief for me and my family. I knew I could still make a positive impact in my life."
That first, positive impact was only a couple of years away. After the diagnosis, Alexandra received valuable information and moral support from the Tourette Association of America. Their color – teal.
When the bridge opened, there was a plan to change its colors to sync with certain holidays like St. Patrick's Day or Christmas, but there were no plans for the structure to become a beacon of awareness. That is until Alexandra got in touch with the right people.
"It took a few months, but I was finally directed to someone who could help. And from there, I met with two New York State senators who were very supportive of my idea and they started pushing on their end. I even spoke before the local town board."
Less than a year after Alexandra wondered aloud what the bridge might look like in full glow for Tourette's awareness, the light switch flipped. On June 15, 2019, more than 50 people gathered on the shore for a watch party.
"It was a moment of huge pride. We had received proclamations from the county executive and Governor Andrew Cuomo, and they were read at the lighting."
It was a moment of immense accomplishment for anyone, let alone a 15 year old. But for Alexandra, it was only the beginning. She's spoken on panels, presented at medical conferences, and mentored kids at Tic Camp. This Sunday, she'll make her biggest impact yet. With the help of her communications law instructor Jill Konopka, who has a network of statewide contacts developed through a career in journalism and public affairs, Alexandra has expanded her Project Lights to include 14 additional landmarks, including 1 World Trade Center and Niagara Falls. On May 19 at sundown, all 15 (as well as the Siena dome) will illuminate teal in honor of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.
Alexandra is proud of what she started on her own, and not at all surprised that she found allies at Siena.
"When I was looking at colleges, I dragged my parents to Siena eight times. My mom said she knew from the moment I stepped on campus I was home. It's true. Siena is definitely my home."