WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, March 1, the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (TS Alliance) will present Sound Bites, An Evening of Food, Wine and Music at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.  Proceeds from the event will benefit research into a rare genetic disease called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). 

TSC causes tumors to form in vital organs, including the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.  It's also the leading genetic cause of both autism and epilepsy.  Approximately 50,000 people the United States have TSC, with 1 million worldwide.  Currently there is no cure.

Sound Bites kicks off at 6 pm with bite-sized samplings, wine tasting and a silent auction, then concludes with a short program and an exciting live auction. Throughout the evening, enjoy music provided by the Golden Gup, the "Cadillac of Oldies DJs." As a special addition, he will be joined by a drummer and a bass player, known as "The Rhythmhancers," to create a unique combination of recorded and live music. 

In addition, the TS Alliance will present its Courage in Leadership Award to John and Jordan Richards, whose son Thorpe has TSC.  Mr. Richards served on the TS Alliance Board of Directors and is currently on its Corporate Advisory Board. Both Richards have been instrumental in the TS Alliance's government advocacy efforts; in fact, Mr. Richards was one of the founders of the government relations effort to secure annual Federal TSC research funding since 2001. Because of their leadership and dedication, Congress has appropriated $65 million to the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed TSC Research Program over the years.

The organization will also honor former State Senator and newly elected Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt, whose son Stephen also has TSC.  Mr. Schmitt will be recognized for working directly with the Missouri State Legislature to appropriate $250,000 in the state's 2016 fiscal year budget then $1.25 million in the state's 2017 fiscal year budget to create and expand the comprehensive Washington University Tuberous Sclerosis Center of Missouri.

Tickets for Sound Bites are available online at tsalliance.schoolauction.net/soundbitesdc.

Established in 1974, the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance is dedicated to finding a cure for tuberous sclerosis complex, while improving the lives of those affected through the stimulation and sponsorship of research; the development of programs, support services and resource information; and the development and implementation of public and professional education programs designed to heighten awareness of TSC.  For more information, visit www.tsalliance.org.

CONTACT: Jaye Isham, jisham@tsalliance.org

SOURCE Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance

Related Links

http://www.tsalliance.org