The National Gaucher Foundation (NGF) announced that it is partnering with JScreen to offer genetic testing at no out-of-pocket cost to patients. Because of the immense importance of genetic testing, NGF is covering the portion of screening expenses that is typically passed to JScreen participants.
This campaign encourages Jews of Eastern European descent, or Ashkenazi Jews, to sign up for genetic testing through JScreen. One in 10 Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier of Gaucher disease, the most common Jewish genetic disease, and many other genetic diseases are also disproportionately prevalent in this population.
To participate in the campaign, patients begin by completing a form on the NGF website. From there, participants are directed to the JScreen form, where they must provide the pertinent information to ensure that there will be no out-of-pocket costs.
Upon completion of these forms, JScreen will mail a genetic testing kit. The easy and painless test requires only a saliva sample. Should a patient test positive as a carrier for a disease or as having a disease, genetic counselors will walk them through the findings and help them understand their options.
“It’s so important to get tested, especially for Ashkenazi Jews. You need to have that knowledge of whether you are a carrier so you can be prepared for all the possibilities in the future,” said Brian Berman, president and CEO of NGF. “Our goal in partnering with JScreen and providing this testing at no out-of-pocket cost is to bring this testing to as many people as possible. It’s so easy—just one spit away—and the impact it can have is tremendous.”
To fill out the form and begin the process to receive your genetic testing kit, visit www.gaucherdisease.org/getscreened.
The National Gaucher Foundation was established in 1984 with three goals: to find the cause of Gaucher disease, to develop a cure, and to promote research and awareness of the disease. Following the determination of the cause and the creation of a treatment, the Foundation expanded its programs to include education and financial assistance for those living with Gaucher disease. Today, the National Gaucher Foundation is the only independent, not-for-profit educational organization in America that caters to individuals and families with the disease. To learn more about Gaucher disease or the work of the National Gaucher Foundation, visit www.gaucherdisease.org/.
