We welcome Debbie Wasserman and Dr. Virginia Carver to the Health Fair!
At 11:00am, Dr. Carver will will discuss why it is vital for all Ashkenazi Jews (those of eastern European decent) to know their risks
and be well informed about genetic screening.
The mission of the Victor Centers for Jewish Genetic Diseases is to ensure ongoing access to comprehensive genetic education, screening and counseling services. This is accomplished through Jewish community education programs and screening programs for healthy individuals at risk for being carriers of a gene mutation for any one of these diseases.
Lois B. Victor, a mother who lost two daughters to a Jewish genetic disease, founded the Victor Centers for Jewish Genetic Diseases. In 2002, the National Coordinating Office opened at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia. Through the generosity of Lois Victor, other funders and Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, the Victor Center at Einstein has screened over 2,000 young adults to date. Given this success and the ultimate goal of eradicating the Jewish Genetic Diseases, the second Victor Program opened in 2005 at floating hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and the third center opened at University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine in 2007. Expansion plans for other Victor Centers across the country are in progress.
Stuart and Shari Debowsky, son and daughter-in-law of Helene and Barry Debowsky have helped coordinate the health talk. The couple tested to be carriers for the Tay-Sachs gene. Children who inherit the Tay-Sachs gene have a short life expectancy due to neurological deterioration. The couple decided to terminate the pregnancy after meeting with a genetic counselor and learning more about their genetic risk. It was a devastating decision and the couple is working to try to educate other families about how to stay informed in their health decisions.
“Based on our family’s experience, we know that it is so vital for all Ashkenazi Jews to know their risks,” said Helene Debowsky, Stuart’s mother. “We encourage everyone to become well informed about genetic screening.”
Visit the Victor Centers website for more information (click here)
Thank you to the JCC Suncoast Health & Wellness department for coordinating all of the fitness demonstrations for the health fair. The JCC Suncoast offers many classes with wonderful instructors and we are proud to have them represented at the fair. Please visit their website for class listings and schedules 