There are many community-based programs and projects

occurring throughout Michigan that involve genetics education,

genomics, birth defect prevention, or family support and 

advocacy.  Is your organization involved in one of these 

activities?  Please let us know by e-mailing genetics@michigan.gov.  

Are you planning a special event open to the public?  Please be sure to post it on the MiGenetics events calendar!

Angelman Syndrome Awareness Day

Governor Jennifer Granholm proclaimed May 17, 2008 as Angelman Syndrome Awareness Day at the request of Debbie Brockie, whose young daughter Molly is affected with the rare genetic condition. Families will celebrate the day with a Walk-a-thon in Detroit. Visit the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Inc. for details. Named for the English pediatrician, Dr. Harry Angelman, who first described the condition in 1965, the syndrome causes severe, lifelong developmental disability. Angelman Syndrome is thought to occur in about 1/10,000 to 1/20,000 individuals which means between 6 and 12 Michigan babies are born with the syndrome each year. Angelman Syndrome affects both males and females of all races and ethnicities. Although caused by a change in the genetic material on chromosome number 15, it usually is not inherited.

The Brockies and other Michigan families want to increase community awareness of Angelman Syndrome. View a photo album of the 2007 Angelman Syndrome Awareness Day Walkathon and more of Molly Brockie’s adventures at www.myangelMolly.com. For more information about Angelman Syndrome, visit www.angelman.org or call 1-800-432-6435.

Get involved now!

"Show the Love" for Michigan kids with sickle cell disease!

Children's Hospital of Michigan is in a contest sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation to help children with sickle cell disease and their families have a better experience when they are in the hospital. The organizations are donating "Fun Centers" to nine hospitals across the country, and the winning hospital in the "Show the Love" competition will win an additional unit. Read the Detroit Free Press article or simply cast your vote before February 29, 2008. 

Recent Happenings

Midwest Community Genomics Forum comes to Flint!

On Friday, October 12, 2007, community forums on genomics, funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute, were held simultaneously in five Midwest States including Illinois , Iowa , Michigan , Minnesota , and Missouri .  In Michigan, "Genomics, Community, and Equity: A Continuing Dialogue,"  was hosted by Flint Odyssey House, Inc. Health Awareness Center. Members of the community were invited to attend the forum, held at Genesee Intermediate School District in Flint, which provided an opportunity to hear national experts and participate in discussions about issues in genomics.  More information on the forum and continuing dialogue about genomics is available at  www.GenoCommunity.org.  

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day

To acknowledge FASD Awareness Day on Sunday, September 9, 2007, the Michigan Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Project and Detroit Department of Health & Wellness Promotion held a special 2-day exhibit on September 6th & 7th open to the public. The exhibit focused on FASD, its cause, prevention methods, and strategies for working with individuals affected by FASD. Screening for women 18-44 years old interested in participating in the FASD Prevention Program was also available.  For more information on the event, call (313) 876-0347 or (313) 876-4514.