Tenth Anniversary Celebration

Join the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders on Thursday, October 15 for an engaging and inspirational evening to celebrate and support the Center’s achievements. Reserve seats for individuals or whole tables to enjoy dinner, dessert and a keynote address and panel discussion with New York Times columnist Amy Harmon, whose series The DNA Age explores the effects of rapidly advancing genetic technologies on our lives.

Click here to learn more about guest speakers, tickets and registration.
 

Education and Screening Programs

The Center offers four carrier screening events annually. Our program includes a Kosher dinner, an educational presentation given by our genetic counselor and genetic screening for nine disorders. Slots for our fall programs filled extremely quickly, and both have waiting lists. If you are interested in signing up for our programs in the spring, please contact Taryn Brickman at TarynBrickman@juf.org or (312) 357-4988 for more information.

The best way to find out about upcoming Center programs, including but not limited to our genetic screening program, is through our email newsletter. In order to be added to our mailing list, sign up in the window on the lefthand side of this page or write to EstherBergdahl@juf.org. Visit our FAQ for more detailed genetic screening program information.
 

Survive and Thrive: BRCA Previvors Learning Alliance

The need to assist women in making complex and critical health care decisions is growing. “Survive and Thrive: BRCA Previvors Learning Alliance” is a new, professionally-run education and support group that will serve as a source of empowerment for women and an opportunity to gather information and resources.

Our first two meetings will occur on October 19 and November 9 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. During our first meeting, oncofertility expert Theresa Woodruff, MD, will discuss cutting edge technology for preserving your fertility while reducing your cancer risk. During our November 9 meeting, health psychologist Dr. Stephanie Ross will discuss how cancer risk reduction strategies, from surveillance to surgery, can affect relationships.

To RSVP and join our Alliance, please contact Taryn Brickman at TarynBrickman@juf.org or call (312) 357-4988.

“Survive and Thrive” and showings of the Emmy-nominated film In the Family are part of the Center’s “Family Matters” program, which focuses on education and outreach on hereditary cancer. “Family Matters” is funded by the Auerbach Family Foundation.
 

Chicago Gynecological Society

On November 11 the Center and the Chicago Gynecological Society will hold a program focusing on the impact of predictive genetic testing on women and families. Participants will view a portion of the highly acclaimed documentary In the Family to illustrate the benefits and burdens of genetic knowledge on women who are carriers for BRCA mutations which greatly increases their risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.

The program will conclude with an interactive discussion with a panel of experts who will discuss issues that are raised in the film clips. Topic areas will include how to discuss predictive genetic testing with patients and options for reducing risk factors such as increased surveillance, chemoprevention and prophylactic surgery. Social and psychological factors which influence medical decision-making will also be highlighted.

For more information please contact Jennifer Cox at jcox@cmsdocs.org.