A mother, grandmother and educator, Diane McSwain worked for 20 years as a teacher’s aide for special needs children in the towns of Crystal Lake and Barrington, Illinois. In early 2015 Diane’s life changed when her first granddaughter Isabel was diagnosed with TS shortly after birth. She left her work in education to help care for Isabel and became active in advocacy and fundraising efforts to support TS research. Diane participated in the TS Alliance’s March on Washington in support of Federal funding for research and met with a number of representatives to ask for their support. It was during one of these meetings that Diane met Julie Scroggins and was introduced to Bcureful. Diane was immediately attracted to Bcureful’s unique mission of providing access to top TS specialists for those who need it most, and for whom access might be out of reach. Inspired by her experiences as a volunteer, her desire to join Bcureful’s leadership team is driven by a passion to find the best way to help Isabel and others who share her diagnosis.

Diane has two daughters, Brook and Kelly, and one granddaughter, Isabel. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, swimming and reading.

Scott Brown is a Finance Project Manager whose son Derrick was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex shortly after birth. Grateful for the hard work and dedication of those who previously championed for TSC research, Scott and his family have dedicated themselves to joining the fight for a cure.

Despite a whirlwind history of medical adventures, Derrick is thriving due to advances in TSC treatment. Scott has volunteered for the Chicago Step Forward to Cure TSC Walks since 2010. In recent years, he has led both the Chicago and Nashville walks and is constantly awed by the power of people working together. He has been asked to join other TSC advocates at the annual March on the Hill in Washington D.C. and is deeply honored to be a part of the Bcureful team.

Scott’s hobbies include remodeling his “fixer-upper” home, following his beloved Cubs and Blackhawks, and woodworking. Above all else, he is keenly aware of the many blessings in his life including his amazing wife Renée, daughter Sophia, son Derrick, and their dog Sully.

In 2011 Julie founded Bcureful, a grassroots nonprofit devoted to advancing research toward the cure for TSC as well as raising public awareness of the disorder and helping to bring expert medical care and support to people where they need it. She is incredibly proud of everything the team of volunteers at Bcureful and their supporters have accomplished. She looks forward to watching its new leadership continue to grow the organization and find new and innovative ways to fulfill its mission.

In January 2018, Julie joined the staff at the TS Alliance as Regional Program Manager, West. She has been involved with the TS Alliance since her oldest daughter was diagnosed with TSC in 2009. Since then, she has served on the Government Action Team, Science and Medical Committee, Audit Committee and most recently on the Board of Directors.

Professionally Julie spent 37 years in the automotive industry and earned national recognition for her efforts at marketing to — and elevating the automotive experience for — women. Julie and her husband Dave have three children, Mary Ann, Chris and Mabel. She enjoys spending free time with family and friends, meeting new people and traveling.

Julie now serves as Liaison between the TS Alliance and Bcureful. In this role, she continues to identify ways in which the two organizations can work collaboratively for greater impact.