Our family has a profound health story. One driven by our son and one intertwined between all six of us. One that has changed us forever and one that we're slowly stepping into sharing - with pride, with bravery, with humility and grace.

It took us over 8 years to slowly uncover and confirm that our 12 year old son, Brendan, has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow throughout major organs (heart, brain, kidneys, skin, eyes). TSC is often the link to other disorders (like autism, epilepsy and more).

We've confirmed two separate benign tubers/tumors in his brain that are linked to seizure activity and an epilepsy diagnosis. At this time, we are currently navigating uncontrolled nocturnal seizures while he sleeps and are in the process of further understanding specific neuropsychological needs to best support our son.

Alongside Mental Health Awareness this month - we are directing this give back to the TSC Alliance and their tremendous effort to bring more awareness and research to TSC. This is a very rare condition, with an estimated 50,000 people affected in the US.

The TSC Alliance focuses on HOPE. No Matter How Complex.

Which is a tremendous encouragement, as HOPE means a lot to our family.

It's what we cling to every day as we navigate TSC with our son.

It's the word that illuminates the good that comes along with the hard.

It's what we lean on when we pray to keep normalizing more discussion around the things that make us different.

And it reminds us of amazing things that our son adores...like STAR WARS. After all, intertwined in the raging galactic war, HOPE is the spark that ignites the fire, while faith in the cause sustains it. :)

Aligning HOPE alongside Isaiah 40:31 felt like the perfect representation during this campaign. "Those who HOPE in the LORD, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles. They will run and not grow weary." The Eagle is one of the strongest and most bold birds in the sky. And another one of Brendan's loves. They are decisive, particular, goal driven, incredibly hard-working, strong beings in the world - which embodies our son, all that he's endured and will endure for the rest of his life. We feel these characteristics are representative of all those affected by TSC and the families and friends that support them. Bold strength is a necessity all around.

HOPE reminds us that we are not in control, but rather can place our faith in things far beyond ourselves. It is the refocus we often need to renew our strength and keep us grounded, steadfast and diligent in our walk through the adversity life brings.

We all have HOPE we're leaning on somewhere. In our family. In our communities. With our children, our marriages, our health. In sickness, through diagnoses, loss, mental health and so much more - we all need the glimmer of something bigger to hold onto. Because while HOPE implies some uncertainty, it suggests confidence and assurance in the possibility of what's to come. So whatever HOPE you're clinging to or confiding in...our prayer is that you find the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other. One day at a time.

While our paths are not the same - we are with you in the hard of being human. And we can't thank you enough for reading more of our story and for giving back to TSC, mental health, the neurodiverse community and beyond.

Thank you for supporting our family as we bring more awareness to this diagnosis. Your love and care mean more to us than words can ever express.

Our deepest gratitude,

The Trier Family - Dave, Erin, Amelia, Brendan, Jillian & Rowan

NOTE: You can certainly grab a shirt as a part of this give back campaign! However - if you'd prefer to simply donate to the cause, you can leave your cart "empty" without adding a shirt item and donate added funds separately. We can't thank you enough for your support!