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"They probably can get annoying, but don't get frustrated. Remember that they're different than you are, and you can't change them. You can only change yourself," offers 13 year old Molly Walker as advice to other kids who have siblings with TS. This was also a lesson she gleaned herself from her TS project for a science fair at school.

Among the nature reports about plants, rabies, alligators and electricity at the science fair in the crowded multi-purpose room of Glenelg Country School on the morning of March 23, Molly's exhibition stood out with a colorful poster full of pictures, a diagram of the genetic map, pamphlets and a TV and VCR to help explain tuberous sclerosis. Both parents and fellow students stopped by her table to pick up NTSA brochures, watch a video of a medical conference about TS, or listen to her presentation. Although seemingly unconscious of the publicity role she played for NTSA and the TS cause, she demonstrated what a sibling can do to promote understanding.

The 7th grader from Columbia, MD came up with the idea for this project because she wanted to do something about her little brother Andy, 11 who has TS. While her friends always thought he was cute and nice, they couldn't understand why he would act up sometimes and get mad compulsively. While Andy is now seizure free, she didn't know how to control them if he had one. When she was younger, she would get mad at him because he always had his way. She and her friends defended her brother when the neighborhood kids tried to chase him while he was bike-riding, but she couldn't make them understand. Brushing aside her father's concerns about whether she could handle such a large topic, Molly plunged into the subject. Soon, with her parents support, she contacted NTSA and spent an evening attending an NTSA Open House Meeting. She listened quietly and attentively as the members shared their personal experiences and discussed medical problems. She also collected brochures, videos, and books.

The result of Molly's efforts was a huge success. People stopped by her exhibit, asked about TS and "took booklets and decided to learn more about it." Fellow students thought it was "cool." "I was very proud of myself," she said modestly. Her parents John and Claire Walker were proud too. "Molly has always been good with Andy, but now she can explain TS to other people. I've heard her [since her presentation]," commented her father.

Molly herself notes, "Now I know why Andy acts all weird. When he has seizures, I know how to control them now. I know he needs special opportunities."
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