by Meira Katz Lyons

“I screen. You screen. We all screen with JScreen!”

That was the chant heard loud and clear as we marched down 5th Avenue with JScreen as part of the Israel Day Parade in Manhattan.

Aswe took our first steps onto 5th Avenue, holding the large banner in support of JScreen and to celebrate Israel, I was moved to tears. I could not help but think of the many generations before me who never had this privilege. And I prayed for the many generations to come who will continue to share their pride in Israel.

Throughout the parade, it was so inspiring to see how impressed many people in the crowd were when we told them that JScreen tested for over 100 diseases with a simple at-home “spit test” that was so affordable. My favorite moment was when someone asked “could you make it any easier”?

As a new Mom to twin boys, this year’s parade was particularly emotional for me. In last year’s parade when I walked with JScreen, I did not know at the time that I was pregnant with identical twins! This past January, we were blessed with two healthy boys. My husband and I were both tested through JScreen before our wedding. I am so thankful that JScreen was such an important part of our family planning.

I will continue to march proudly for years to come to celebrate Israel and to promote JScreen.

“I screen. You screen. We all screen with JScreen.”