Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby offers genetic screening

Sharing post from Light the Valley CT Facebook page:

"Did you know that the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness [at Griffin Hospital in Derby] teamed with Myriad Genetics to offer genetic screening to high risk patients? 

"If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer you might qualify to speak with a genetic counselor via phone consultation for free!"

Recuperation journey: Learning about ancestors

Heredity, genealogy, genetics.

I'm intrigued by the DNA test kits available to help us to better understand ourselves and those who came before us.

A first cousin of mine recently got involved, and I'm curious to find out his results.

Have you taken advantage of this technology? If so I'd love to hear about your experience. Please leave me a comment! 

Recuperation journey: PKD Awareness Day

I received an email this morning that reminded me today is PKD Awareness Day, so of course I had to post about it.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic, life-threatening illness that affects about 600,000 Americans. There is currently no cure.

I inherited PKD from my father's side of the family. I've named the disease "the curse of the McDonalds."

In addition to my father, four of his siblings and many of my cousins have suffered with PKD.

A cousin and a first cousin once removed have had successful transplants, and since May I've become part of that exclusive family club.

I was extremely fortunate on May 9 to have received a kidney from an altruistic donor and lovely person, Robin Gilmartin.

As I've said more than a thousand times, I can't thank her enough! 

March challenge compels correspondent to confront chronic condition

I recently discovered a challenge as I was strolling along the Internet, and I may just give it a go.

It's the fifth annual PKD (polycystic kidney disease for those lucky enough not to be acquainted with it) Challenge for March, which is National Kidney Month. 
The goal is to raise awareness of the genetic disease.

As I wrote last October in a blog post here, PKD has played a major role in my late father's side of the family. 
Too many of my relatives were burdened with it, and coincidentally it was in the month of March in 1976 that my father passed away from complications of having PKD.

I inherited the disease and for the past year or so I've been trying to follow a diet that's low in sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus. It's not that easy - notice I said "trying."

The 31-day PKD Challenge starts Tuesday with a video that offers information about the disease. That should be easy enough to do!

My idea is that if I commit to writing regularly about the challenge I would be more likely to participate in it. We'll see.

I'm hoping someone who also has this disease will read this post and join the challenge, and/or contact me through the comments section. 
I'm interested in learning your story.

Here are some factoids to consider:

* It's always important to keep a sense of humor!