Mountain Brook residents advocate genetic research on Capitol Hill

Stuart Summers and Carole Pitard, both Mountain Brook residents, traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the office of Rep. Spencer Bachus and other members of Alabama delegation to raise awareness about tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

TSC is a multi-system genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in various organs, primarily the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin and lungs.  People with TSC often develop epilepsy, autism and learning and behavioral disorders.  TSC is estimated to affect nearly 50,000 people in the U.S., and more than 1 million worldwide.  Currently there is no cure.

Summers and Pitard’s visit on February 22 was part of a coordinated effort by more than 100 TSC advocates to secure additional research funding at the federal level.

Summers and Pitard are optimistic about the future of TSC and were encouraged by their visit to Capitol Hill.

For more information contact about TSC, visit www.tsalliance.org.