Why Should I Tell My Doctor I’m an Ashkenazi Jew?
When it comes to your health, the details matter—sometimes more than you might realize. One important piece of information
Why You Should Consider Carrier Screening Again for Family Planning, Even If You’ve Done It Before
Carrier screening has become a common part of family planning, helping individuals and couples understand their genetic risks and
The Pros, Cons, and Differences Between Blood and Saliva for Genetic Testing
When it comes to collecting DNA for genetic testing, two primary methods are widely used: blood and saliva. Our
Meet Danielle, the Sarnoff Center’s 2024 Lewis Summer Intern
My name is Danielle Parnes and I am a Junior at Clemson University majoring in Biology with a minor
3 Things to Know About Genetic Testing Before IVF
Testing laboratory-fertilized embryos for genetic diseases before implantation can be done through a procedure called preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) or
Meet Roley, the Sarnoff Center’s 2023 Lewis Summer Intern
My name is Roley Corrigan-Halpern and I am a Junior at Grinnell College majoring in Psychology. On campus, I
While no two stories about Jewish genetic disorders or hereditary cancers are the same, we recognize that it can be helpful to hear from–and connect with–others facing similar genetic health challenges.
Your Stories
Iris’ Story (Video)
In 2008, Iris was diagnosed with breast cancer and opted to have a bilateral mastectomy and preventive surgery to remove her ovaries. Watch Iris' story.
Zach’s Story (Video)
Zach’s sister, Alexa, was diagnosed with breast cancer as a young woman. Her diagnosis spurred the family to examine their health history and ultimately led to the discovery of a BRCA mutation that had been passed down from Zach’s grandfather. Watch Zach's story.
Alyssa’s Story (Video)
Alyssa knew about her family history of cancer and her personal risk of a BRCA mutation. After several years of screenings and consideration, she decided to undergo a risk-reducing operation before having children. Watch Alyssa's story.
Dennis’ Story
In 1999, I along with a few others founded the Center for Jewish Genetics. We founded the Center with the goal to educate the Jewish community about Jewish genetic disorders, and more.
Carrier Screening: Two Family’s Stories
Two families share their stories about carrier screening and learning they were at risk to have a child with a genetic condition. They each chose the path best for their family and, today, have healthy children.





