Hey, I'm Mary Ann. I’m about to start my sophomore year at Illinois State University as an art and psychology major. I had a great freshman year, and came out with my first 4.0. I’m finishing up an 8 week internship at the State’s Attorney’s office this summer, which has been one of the best experiences yet. I’ve discovered that I love criminal justice and law, but I don’t know if I will pursue either as a career. When I have free time or need to find some clarity I do yoga. I’ve been taking classes for over a year now and I’m hooked. Along with yoga, I like biking and anything that keeps me outside. I’m happiest when I’m around people who make me laugh.

In September of my senior year in high school I was in a car accident, and ended up totaling my 92’ BMW station wagon. (Yeah, I know.) I had done a U-turn, and I haven’t done one since. After I saw my car and realized how much worse the accident could have been, I felt extremely blessed and lucky. When I was hit the engine died instantly, and my hands weren’t on the wheel. My car rolled down a small hill in between two large trees and stopped a couple yards in front of a brick house. The floor of my car was pushed up a couple feet, leaving just enough room for my legs. My head broke the window and smacked the top of the car, and I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Luckily I came out with only a concussion. The concussion was bad, but I was lucky not to have any other injuries.

The doctor who diagnosed my concussion noticed something strange in my CAT scan, and referred me to a neurologist who told me I had Tuberous Sclerosis. It took me about a month to pronounce it correctly, and maybe two to spell it. My best friends still think I have tuberculosis. :-)
My parents and I drove down to Children's Memorial in Cincinnati, where I am now a patient. During my first appointment I learned that there were tubers in my brain and kidneys. I had a full body MRI to make sure that there were no tubers anywhere else, and there weren't! I also had an EEG, and learned that I am part of the 10% of TS patients who are blessed not to have seizures.

A little over a year after my diagnosis, I stopped by my parent's tire store one morning during Christmas break. There was a photographer in the store covering the "Passchal" bags that they had begun selling. I knew about the bags because of my mom, so I had an interview and told the photographer all about Passchal. Even though my shirt said "Beer! It's what's for breakfast”, he took a photo of me with the bags. After the story hit the paper my mom told Ken and Angela (founders of Passchal) about the interview, and they asked if I would be the face of Passchal... YEAH!

We have been working together since, and we are in the process of creating a "Mary Ann" line of bags which will benefit Tuberous Sclerosis research. I have met so many great people and together we have raised money for Tuberous Sclerosis Research. I believe that I was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis because one day, I would cross paths with all of the wonderful people I have met and be given the opportunity to help make great things happen. TS does not affect me in the way that it affects many other people who have been diagnosed. I realize each day how incredibly lucky I am, but also realize that I have the chance to help make a difference and raise money for each person and family who struggles with this disease. As strange as it may sound, I am glad I was diagnosed and have experienced many things that I would never have been able to otherwise. It's an opportunity to fund research, give people hope, and possibly in my lifetime see a cure.