Sivan’s Story (Video)
After testing positive for a BRCA1 mutation, Sivan started regular cancer screenings and ultimately decided a risk-reducing surgery was right for her. Watch Sivan's story.
Elisha’s Story (Video)
Elisha learned she had a BRCA1 mutation after her mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis. She undergoes regular screenings and chose preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to prevent the BRCA mutation from being passed to her children. Watch Elisha's story.
Heidi’s Story (Video)
Heidi learned she had a BRCA1 mutation through a 23&Me test, even though she did not know about any family history of cancer. After consulting with a genetic counselor, Heidi underwent preventative surgeries. Watch Heidi's story.
Jordyn’s Story (Video)
Jordyn got screened for a BRCA mutation at age 25, knowing many relatives on her father’s side of the family battled cancer. After testing positive, she had a preventive double mastectomy. Watch Jordyn's story.
Bill’s Story (Video)
Bill was diagnosed with male breast cancer after he noticed a lump on his breast in 2014. He subsequently tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation. Watch Bill's story.
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.
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.
Articles
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
Understanding Differences in Genetic Testing
Today, more people than ever use ancestry testing to learn about their family’s past and to connect with far- flung relatives. But while some ancestry tests provide limited health-related information, these tests are no substitute for genetic screening tests and the clinical support that comes with them.
Honoring My Family Legacy & Health History with Thanksgiving Travel
My mom and I love traveling over the holiday weekend to fill our travel itch and tap into our roots. And exploring our family cultural history also lends itself to discussion about our shared family health history.
Should I Get Screened Again?
While our DNA doesn’t change, technology does. Check in with your doctor or a contact the Sarnoff Center's genetic counselor to learn whether you should consider re-screening prior to pregnancy.
Fragile X Awareness
July is Fragile X Awareness Month. Fragile X syndrome is a condition that leads to intellectual disability and is prevalent in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
