Happy 25th Birthday Jeans for Genes Day!




Jeans for Genes day raises awareness and funds for children born with genetic diseases.

There are more than 6000 types of genetic diseases, and with 1 in 20 Aussie kids being born with a birth defect or genetic disease,  chances are you know someone who is affected.  More common types include Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.  Rarer disorders include: progeria which causes accelerated ageing and, hypertrichosis which causes excessive hair to grow on the face, shoulders, and ears.

Genetic diseases are caused by changes in DNA.  These can occur randomly or via environmental factors such as exposure to radiation or asbestos.  Not all genetic diseases can cause death but many have life changing or life limiting effects.  

25 years ago the scientists and doctors at the Children’s Medical Research Institute began Jeans for Genes to help raise money for gene research.  In the process they are working hard to change the perceptions of genetic diseases to bring about more acceptance and compassion within our communities.  

  Genetic disorders and the fetus: Diagnosis, prevention and treatment
We hold many resources on genetic disease in the library including:
Genetic skin disorders by Virginia P. Sybert

For more information please visit https://www.jeansforgenes.org.au/

Comments