Walk To Help Local Children With TSC
Nothing is more heartbreaking than a child dealing with an illness. That’s why I’m asking you to help out and support the Step Forward to Cure TSC Carolinas Walk on Saturday, May 4, from 9:30 A.M.-1 P.M. The walk will be held at Cherry Park in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Fund raised will help to spread awareness about TSC and to help further research, find new treatments, and to hopefully discover a cure for this debilitating disease.
What Is TSC?
Until I chatted with local mom Kristen Moore, I had never heard of TSC. TSC, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, is a rare genetic disease that causes tumors to form in vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, eyes and skin. It is the leading genetic cause of epilepsy and is highly correlated with autism. Unfortunately, there is no cure.
Kristen’s son Jackson, who is now 4 years old, began having seizures at 7 weeks old. At 17 months, he had brain surgery. At 2 1/2 years old, he was diagnosed with autism. He has been considered non-verbal, but the last few years he’s been trying to talk, although his mom says it’s difficult to understand him. After being seizure free for 2 years, the seizures returned on his 4th birthday last year. His parents are now pursuing a 2nd brain surgery.
Photo by Kristen Moore
Just reading about what this little guy has been through brings tears to my eyes. I haven’t met Kristen in person, and I haven’t met Jackson, but I know that this is a strong family. This kid is a tough fighter! The Moore family, other local families that are dealing with this horrible disease, and the TSC Alliance need you to come out for the walk to help raise money so that one day a cure may be found.
May Is TSC Awareness Month
May is TSC Awareness Month, and the Moore family is meeting with Mayor Vi Lyles on Wednesday, May 1 to accept the proclamation to officially declare May as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Month in Charlotte.
Please consider walking in the Step Forward to Cure TSC Carolinas Walk. Grab your friends, neighbors, or co-workers to participate in this important event, and help support local children. You can find out more details about the event here. You can also check out the flyer below. And thank you for helping!
Photo by Kristen Moore/TSC Alliance
Expert Shares Best 'Brain Foods' For Kids
Superfood Smoothies
Sometimes you have to hide the nutrition. Dr. Naidoo says to use leafy greens that are high in folate and fiber, like spinach and kale, along with chia seeds or walnuts for plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Add avocado for healthy fats and antioxidant-rich blueberries. For protein and gut-healthy probiotics that boost mood, mix in some plain, unsweetened yogurt.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Homemade Veggie Fries
Remember that air fryer you bought during the pandemic? Cut some zucchini, carrots, and green beans; add a little black pepper, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, parsley, or thyme for flavor; and crisp them up. Vegetables provide needed fiber and phytonutrients.
(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Homemade Hummus
Dr. Naidoo says legumes like chickpeas are healthy, plant-based sources of iron, zinc, protein and fiber, all of which are good for brain development. Whip up a batch and the kiddos can dip carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, or apple slices. You can even add some fun color to your hummus by using carrots or beets.
(Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for Food Network Magazine)
Salmon
I’ve always heard that fish was “brain food.” Dr. Naidoo says salmon is loaded with B12 and omega-3s, which promote healthy brain development and happier moods. The trick is to introduce fish your kids when they’re really young.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Eggs
What’s not to love about eggs? I think eggs just might be nature’s perfect food. Dr. Naidoo says they’re a good source of brain-boosting vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, which has been shown to improve brain development and long-term memory. And, although pricier, pastured eggs can have twice as much vitamin E and almost three times as many omega-3s as caged eggs, according to one study.
(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Meatballs
Dr. Naidoo recommends sneaking some plant-based fiber and veggies into your child’s diet using meatballs. Start with beans, lentils or ground turkey as a base, add shredded spinach or zucchini, then use flax to add omega-3s and as a binder. Don’t forget to flavor with some spices.
(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
