October 7, 2005

Herscots' generosity opens new doors in understanding, treating TSC

It affects more patients than cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy; can cause a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from epilepsy to benign tumors; and afflicts both children and adults alike. Yet tuberous sclerosis complex — known as TSC — has, until recently, largely been a disease of mystery. While it may be genetically inherited, TSC also can occur randomly and sporadically in families, making it all the more elusive to trace and understand. As difficult to identify as it is to treat, the disease often forces patients to travel from hospital to hospital in search of a firm diagnosis and an established treatment plan.

Longtime MGH supporters Carol and James Herscot believe all of that will change, thanks to the opening of the Carol and James Herscot Center for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, which was formally dedicated at the hospital Sept. 26. The center was established by a generous gift from the Herscots and is the first clinical facility of its kind to address the dual diagnostic and treatment challenges posed by TSC for both children and adults.

The Herscots know full well the impact wrought by TSC. Nearly 40 years ago, their son, Brad, began to suffer from seizures and other symptoms that no specialist could seem to pinpoint — symptoms that later proved to be driven by TSC. The Herscots then decided to devote their lives to ensuring that other TSC patients and parents would not have to endure what they had experienced. Though their own son is thriving and living semi-independently today, the couple has remained dedicated allies and advocates in educating physicians, caregivers and families nationwide about the disease.

The Herscot Center will operate under the direction of Elizabeth Thiele, MD, PhD (far left, pictured with the Herscots), a pediatric neurologist at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and one of the world's leading TSC experts. Thanks to the Herscots' commitment, the center bearing their name now will provide an unparalleled caliber of clinical, research and outreach initiatives for patients and families living with this previously enigmatic disease.