Brighton Runner Gears Up to Earn Spot on 2014 Special Olympics Team

Ryan Groves, 26, of Brighton, likes to run and he excels at it.

Representing Michigan in the 2010 Special Olympics USA Games track and field events, this young sprinter living with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) won two silver medals in the 4x100m relay and the 400m run.

Now, Ryan is getting in gear to participate in the Michigan 2013 State Games later this month.

May also happens to be International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and support those with this rare condition and to learn more about the disease itself.

Ryan’s parents, Bob and Kathy Groves, are both active members of the TS Alliance, the primary US advocacy group, and can be seen on the sidelines of Ryan’s Special Olympics sporting events. Ryan’s two big brothers, who do not have the disease, are big supporters as well.

Ryan is one of only 25,000 to 40,000 people in the U.S. estimated to be living with TSC, an uncommon, multisystem genetic disease that causes a number of resulting disorders and symptoms including seizures, cognitive disabilities, behavior problems and potentially life-threatening tumors in vital organs such as the kidney, brain and lungs.

Due to the multiple and sometimes unpredictable challenges that living with TSC can present, this condition can take an emotional toll on patients and their families, significantly impacting those touched by the disease.

Ryan will be competing to qualify for a coveted spot to represent his state in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Summer Games at the Michigan 2013 State Games which are taking place May 30 – June 1.

Information provided in press release.