TC House
Tyler Palko & Chris McGough House
What is the TC House Foundation?
The TC House Foundation was formed in 2005 to build a group home for individuals with Down syndrome. The name was developed by using the first letter of the two main individuals that started the Foundation: Tyler Palko, at the time a Pitt Quarterback, & Christopher McGough, a young man with Down syndrome. Tyler and Chris grew up together in the West Allegheny Community. This is the place where the house will be located. Our first fundraising effort was a golf outing, which has become an annual event.
Where did the idea come from?
We first came across the idea for the group home in a magazine article. The article was about a professional athlete joining efforts to build a group home in a local community. The article touched us all in a way that got us motivated to start something. We have exhausted our resources to find out the truth behind the story.
So why start a foundation?
Regardless of the validity of the story, we decided to start the foundation. Tyler and Chris formed a strong bond at an early age. They wanted to come together and share their bond with the community. The goal became to provide a group home for individuals with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is one of the most common birth defects.
What is Down syndrome?
Typically, each cell in the human body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, which contain the genetic material that determines all inherited characteristics. Half of each chromosome pair from the mother and the other half from the father. Individuals with the most common form of Down syndrome, Trisomy 21, have an extra 21st chromosome. Usually, children born with this condition have some degree of mental retardation, as well as physical disabilities. They have recognizable physical characteristics and have atypical learning abilities due to the presence of an extra chromosome 21. Most of children born with Down syndrome also have other health problems. Each year in the United States, approximately one in every 850 newborns are diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
There is no specific treatment to "cure" Down syndrome. Special education and training are offered in most communities for mentally and physically disabled children. It is not uncommon for children with Down syndrome to have specific heart defects that may require surgery. Visual problems, hearing loss, and increased susceptibility to infection are also very common. This requires screenings and treatments frequently. Presently, there is no way to prevent Down syndrome. However, scientists continue to learn more about the genetic basis of Down syndrome and hope that in the future it will be possible to improve, correct, or prevent many of the problems associated with the condition.
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, has set up a resource center for individuals with Down syndrome.
