SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, October 23, the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (TS Alliance), a rare disease advocacy organization, will mark its 40th anniversary with a unique celebration in New York City at the Hudson Theatre, Millennium Broadway Hotel, featuring the world premiere and reading of the play, "Four Decades | One Community."  Directed by Martin Blanco, the play's scheduled performers include Julianne Moore, Stephen Belber, Mo Collins, Liza Colón-Zayas, Katrina Ferguson, Kate Flannery, Lori Gardner, Chris Hawkey, Jim O'Heir, Angela Pierce, Alex Skuby and David Wheeler.  The event starts at 6 p.m.

During the anniversary celebration, the TS Alliance will also honor Abe and Celia Mastbaum and Drs. Jonathan and Bonnie Rothberg of The Rothberg Institute for Childhood Diseases for their extraordinary commitment to the fight against tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Formed in 1974, the TS Alliance is the only U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for tuberous sclerosis complex while improving the lives of those affected.  TSC is a multi-system genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in vital organs, primarily the brain, heart, eyes, kidneys, lungs and skin. It's also the leading genetic cause of both autism and epilepsy.  Approximately 50,000 people in the United States have the disease, and it has an estimated incidence of 1 in 6,000 live births.  More than 1 million people worldwide have TSC.

"Four Decades | One Community" is the cornerstone of the organization's 40th anniversary celebration.  Award-winning playwright John Morogiello conducted 22 interviews with individuals and family members impacted by tuberous sclerosis complex as well as healthcare professionals who made a significant contribution to research and clinical care.  

According to TS Alliance President & CEO Kari Luther Rosbeck, "This is a very unique play about a group of individuals who formed an alliance to combat this disease over the past forty years. It is by no means every story. But together, these powerful stories represent the battle of four decades and one community."

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.tsalliance.org/4decades or call 800-225-6872. 

For more information contact:
Jaye D. Isham, Vice President, Communications Strategy
(301) 562-9890, jisham@tsalliance.org

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130923/DC79410LOGO

SOURCE Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance