Page 10 - The Jewish Voice - September '21

Page 10, The Jewish Voice

Lifestyles from page 9

having a child with a genetic disease. This testing helps
parents and would-be parents ensure that they’re taking
the precautions necessary to have healthy children. (For
example, couples where both parents are carriers of the same
genetic disease can minimize their chances of passing it on
by conceiving via in-vitro fertilization with pre-implantation
genetic testing of embryos.)
JScreen’s ReproGEN test screens for 226 genetic
diseases, many of which are commonly found in the Jewish
population (Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrachi), and
others that are found in the general population. Most of
these diseases are inherited in a recessive pattern, meaning
that a child may have the condition only if both parents be on site to take photos, sign autographs, and participate Brewing Co., Motorworks Brewing Co., and more. Get
carry a mutation in that disease gene. in The Big Experience to raise money for Big Brothers a taste and sampling of wines, liquor, and food from 20
Each child of two carrier parents has a 25 percent Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties during the restaurants of all cuisines throughout and surrounding
chance of inheriting both mutations and having the Big Taste event. Martin County, from Kork, Conchy Joe’s Seafood, The
condition. JScreen also screens for several X-linked Willie began his NFL career with the New Orleans Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House, Ellie’s Downtown Deli,
conditions that can be passed from a carrier mother to a Saints, who drafted him with the eighth pick of the first Berry Fresh Café, and the Hutchinson Island Resort &
child who may have symptoms. round in the 1993 draft. Roaf played nine years for the Spa to name a few. There will be so much to enjoy in
Some of these genetic diseases are relatively common, Saints; he was named to seven Pro Bowls and won a spot support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Guests will also enjoy
such as Gaucher disease, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs. on the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, making him the most a chance to win fabulous prizes in the raffle. The auction
However, Carly Sonenshine, a 32-year-old social worker awarded player in Saints history. After an injury, Roaf opens October 5 online and will include incredible trips
in Atlanta, learned from her JScreen test that she carries a was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2002 for and experiences.
mutation for CPT2 deficiency, an extremely rare condition a conditional draft choice. He played four more seasons “The Big Taste of Martin County is a fundraiser for
that prevents the body from using certain fats for energy. with the Chiefs and was selected for the Pro Bowl in each Big Brothers Big Sisters in support of their vision to
There are three main types of the disease, one lethal to of those four years, for a total of 11 Pro Bowl selections. empower youth to graduate with a mission and a mentor
neonates. JScreen counseled Sonenshine’s husband to do Roaf was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. for a lifetime,” said Yvette Flores, CEO of Big Brothers
the genetic panel too before the couple began trying to have Bigger than before, guests will experience the new Big Sisters.
children. They discovered he was a carrier for three genetic layout at the Stuart Jet Center making the event socially Sponsors include: Publix Super Market Charities,
diseases, including CPT2. distant and outside. Enjoy culinary treats as local Philip DeBerard, Rehmann, Morgan Stanley Samantha
“We considered doing IVF, but I got pregnant naturally restaurants, craft breweries, and samples of wine will Woggon Branch Manager, Macy’s, Palm City Eye Care,
in the meantime,” Sonenshine said. create an event like no other for a good cause. Guests Rand Strategic Solutions, FPL, Sunbelt, Go Electric,
“We did chorionic villus sampling and learned our son will have the opportunity to purchase VIP tables, silent Freedom Waste, South Florida Orthopedics & Sports
was just a carrier” — and not afflicted with the disease. auction, and participate in the voting process to select Medicine, Bahama Paradise Cruise Line, Rick Carroll
However, they weren’t as lucky when Sonenshine had a their favorite menu items from area restaurants. Insurance, Leavy Law, Edward Jones, and NetOne
surprise pregnancy just five months after their son’s birth. The community will come together for an evening of Technologies. Media Sponsors: Stuart Magazine, Local
Prenatal testing was positive for the disease. fun, food, wine, music, and more at the Big Taste. It will Dines/QuenchTime, Indian River Magazine, Seabreeze
The couple considered terminating the pregnancy, but feature delicious foods from local restaurants, desserts, Publications, Hubbard Media, and My Living Magazines.
then Sonenshine’s husband found some reputable research and delectable wines from across the world. Guests will Tickets: Pre-sale tickets are $45; September 21-October
indicating that the severity of the condition could be experience an array of craft beer from local breweries 11 tickets will cost $50; $60 at the door. $300 VIP table
determined based on the parents’ CPT2 mutations. such as Hop Life, Islamorada Beer Co. & Sailfish includes 4 tickets, a complimentary gift bag, and bonus
“We sent the researchers our JScreen results and they raffle tickets. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased
did the analysis and were able to tell us that our daughter online at http://mentorbig.org/events, http://bidpal.net/
would have a mild and manageable form of the disease,” bigtaste, or TEXT Big Taste to 243725.
Sonenshine said. “We just need to make sure our daughter About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and
eats a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet in order to keep her Martin Counties
healthy. We wouldn’t have known this without JScreen.” BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17
Thousands of people have done reproductive testing with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models.
through JScreen over the years. Adding the cancer Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to
genetic test is bringing in a whole new demographic, children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm
the organization said. In the future, JScreen plans to add Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
screening for other genetic risks. (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization
Big Taste of Martin County in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies
nationwide. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
Returns with “Drafting Our Lifestyles on page 11

Next Generation of Bigs”

The Big Tas te of
Martin County, an annual
fundraising event presented
by Publix Super Markets
Charities for Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Palm Beach
& Martin Counties, will
be held Tuesday, October
12, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., at The
Stuart Jet Center, 2501 SE
Aviation Way. The premier
food event of the Treasure
Coast was held as a month-
long campaign last year to support the local restaurant
community during the pandemic while raising awareness
and money.
This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach &
Martin Counties celebrates its 35th anniversary. To honor
the nonprofit, the return of this signature event is a great
way to celebrate. We are excited to announce The Big
Experience, with honorary chair Willie Roaf. Willie will