When my wife first got pregnant in April 2005, we endured a long and complicated journey that most first time parents will surely understand... running all around Boca Raton Florida and even Coral Springs, Boynton Beach and other cities in South Florida to get this or that test run.
One of the scarier tests we had to think about was called the Ashkenazi Panel. It is a test for Jewish people of Ashkenazi descent - generically those that come from the Eastern part of Europe. The other tough part of this test is that it was one of the more expensive items of the pregnancy - we had insurance but it did not cover maternity like so many in South Florida who aren't on group plans.
Yesterday in the Palm Beach Post and the Sun Sentinel, I read articles about the Fifth Annual South Florida Genetic Testing and Education Fairs offered by the Boca Raton Florida based Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation.
The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation specializes in raising funds and awareness for early prevention of the childhood diseases that can be detected via genetic testing.
Their website states:
The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation's mission is to promote and lead critical awareness, testing, counseling, and research initiatives that hold promise for the prevention and eventual cure of fatal children's genetic diseases of the brain
At their Genetic Testing Fairs, they offer FREE screening for potential parents... but their goal is to also raise awareness among the communities (not just Jewish!) that the Genetic Testing should be done prior to marriage to know whether or not they carry the genes that could lead to the spread of these genetic diseases:
- Tay-Sachs
- Canavan
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Familial Dysautonomia
- Gaucher
- Niemann-Pick
The next event is:
- October 28th 2007 - Broward County - Fifth Annual South Florida Genetic Testing & Education Fair
For the 1st time in Broward County!! We are pleased to offer free screening for potential parents for 6 fatal genetic diseases: Tay-Sachs, Canavan, Cystic Fibrosis, Familial Dysautonomia, Gaucher, and Niemann-Pick. These tests represent more than a $600 value. Over the past 4 years, more than 20% of those tested were carriers of at least one of these diseases.
Location: Broward General Medical Center, 1600 S. Andrews Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, 9am -3pm
Limited appointments, pre-registration required by calling 561-477.0337 or selecting registration link to be contacted to set up an appointment.
Charter Sponsors: Genzyme, Broward General Medical Center, The Broward Board of Rabbis, The Lipson Family, Akerman Senterfit - Register for this event
You can also donate online by clicking here ----> DONATE NOW!
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