MUD AND MISCHIEF : Support Team Joel

Seizures. Autism. Kidney disease. These are just a few of the symptoms of a devastating disease called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC causes tumors to grow in vital organs, including the brain, heart, eyes, kidneys, skin, liver, and lungs. TSC is like having epilepsy, autism, kidney and heart disease all rolled up into one.

THERE IS CURRENTLY NO CURE FOR TSC.

At seven months of age our son, Joel, began having seizures. (He would slowly drop his head down and then quickly jerk it back up again.) After diagnostic testing, including MRIs, EEGs, kidney ultrasound, vision exams, and echocardiograms it was determined that he had tuberous sclerosis complex, a disease that we had never heard of before. We were told that Joel has benign tumors on his brain and his heart. He also has light patches of skin all over his body. He will need to have routine follow-ups with his doctors for the rest of his life. Thankfully, so far Joel's seizures have been controlled by medication. We are praying he will continue to stay seizure free, but in the back of our minds we know it could change at any moment.

We are hoping a cure for TSC will be discovered within our lifetime. You can help us make that dream a reality by joining Team Joel & helping us raise awareness about Tuberous Sclerosis Complex!