Break out the double denim! It’s Jeans for Genes Day!

Did you know that one in twenty children in Australia are faced with a genetic condition or birth defect?

Sadly, there is currently no available cure for many of these conditions, meaning that thousands of children go through their lives suffering the effects of their disease or defect, and often missing out on a traditional childhood.

Research into the cure for genetic conditions is often largely funded by donations from the public, which often means that finding a cure for even one disorder can take years longer due to lack of funding. 25 years ago, the Children’s Medical Research Institute started Jeans for Genes Day, a fundraising and awareness campaign aimed at helping raise the profile of a number of genetic conditions, as well as raising money to fund research into these conditions that destroy the lives of many Australian families.

Since 1994, everyday people have been raising much needed funds in a number of fun ways that everyone can enjoy. In 2019, Jeans for Genes Day is on August 2, and there are endless ways that you can raise money, donate, and support children with genetic conditions.

These include:

• Host a ‘free dress’ day at your school or workplace. For a gold coin donation (or more!), break out your best acid wash denim jeans, or be bold and go head to toe for that double denim look we all love.
• Organise a blue themed morning tea! Make it fun with lots of blue hued goodies to eat. Blue cupcake, anyone? The Jeans for Genes website has a range of merchandise that you can order for sale on the day, and throughout the campaign.
• Are you a bit of a homebody? Too embarrassed to show off your favourite ripped jeans in public? Why not host a denim themed party? As your guests for a donation as cover charge to your event, then enjoy a night of blue cocktails and maybe some genetic trivia!

The staff at GTL love any excuse to kick up their heels, and will be holding blue themed events on the day, proudly supporting this amazing campaign, which has led to the continuation of vital research projects, and an increased understanding of many genetic conditions.

GTL offers a suite of DNA tests that provide an insight into your predisposition to a number of genetic conditions. The Prenatal Peace DNA test is for those who want peace of mind during pregnancy. This screening test is 100% non-invasive and safe, testing for Down Syndrome and 17 other genetic conditions, using a simple blood sample.

The Newborn Genetic Test with NOVA screens your precious new addition for the risk of obtaining 50 inherited disorders. This test can be performed on infants through to five year olds, and provides a comprehensive analysis based on your child’s unique DNA.

Cancer, one of our most common and deadly diseases, occurs when one or more genes are damaged. Not all forms of cancer are inherited, but if a copy of a cancer gene is passed on to the child, then the risk of getting cancer is drastically increased. The Cancer Panel Genetic Predisposition Test  can be used to identify gene mutations responsible for hereditary cancers, and to determine which family members may be at risk.

These are just some of the genetic screening tests that are offered by GTL.
For ultimate peace of mind, a multi-faceted approach to understanding about the health of your children and the whole family is a good way to ensure you have the knowledge and resources needed to manage a genetic condition. 
So get a DNA test, and while you’re waiting for the results, put on your best blue denim and get involved with Jeans for Genes Day on August 2.