JScreen mourns the loss of our friend and fellow Jewish genetic disease activist, Randy Yudenfriend Glaser. Randy cofounded the Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium after giving birth to two children, Lauren and Jonathan, who are living with Mucolipidosis Type IV (ML4), a devastating and life-threatening Jewish genetic disease. Randy’s mission was to educate the community about

by Ilana W.    Wow is all I can say! After a whirlwind AIPAC policy conference with over 18,000 people from different backgrounds, cities, and ages, I am more invigorated than ever. I felt like I was in a microcosm of Jewish life; high schoolers interacting with Holocaust survivors, Rabbis and politicians conversing, and pretty

Research estimates that 1 in 17 people will experience the symptoms of a rare disease in their lifetime. Collectively, these individuals represent a large population, however, separately they are in desperate need of representation in research and healthcare. Rare Disease Day, on February 29th, helps to bring these issues to light, as the global community comes together to raise awareness

As children, we often beg our parents to read us the same book over and over again. Why is that? Maybe because we loved that we knew the ending and what to expect. Maybe because (well at least in my case) I thought I knew how to read since I just memorized the words. Maybe

by Nadine Paull   National Doctor’s Day provides one nationally recognized day of the year to show our appreciation for our doctors. Here are 5 facts you may not already know about this special day, and this lifesaving profession!   1. National Doctor’s Day is always celebrated on March 30th, commemorating the very first use

by Rachel Cohen   L’chaim. A phrase recognized by Jews all around the world. From the front of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah card, to the end of a best man’s speech at a wedding, L’chaim, or “to life” is an expression used for celebrations. In Judaism, the number 18 symbolizes life or Chai, and

Everyone wants to feel like they are unique and special in this world. People with rare diseases are no exception. But when you have a rare disorder, it is also especially nice not to feel alone. Enter Rare Disease Day, which is celebrated around the world on the last day of February each year. The

by Sierra Weiss   The emotions associated with the word ‘disability’ have evolved considerably over the past century. It’s also a less controversial topic among popular culture. From the newly released ‘The Theory of Everything’, about a world-renowned physicist and mathematician afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. From the award-winning

A warm hello and welcome to our new JScreen blog! First, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Co-Director of JScreen and oversee national outreach initiatives for the program. I am an instructor and mentor for the Masters in Genetic Counseling Program at Emory University. I am involved in the Jewish community. But most