When a parent gets the devastating diagnosis that their child has a genetic disease, there is only one thing that determines the child’s future – research.
This Jeans for Genes Day on Friday, August 4, everyday Australians can help the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead to change the future for the one in 20 Australian kids living with a genetic disease or birth defect.
For 65 years, the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute have been doing cutting edge work and today they are finding treatments and cures for diseases including epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, cancer, devastating metabolic conditions, genetic blindness, and many more of the 6000 genetic diseases that impact kids like western Sydney resident Teddy (pictured).
Research has also given answers and hope to Teddy’s family.
He was diagnosed with a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome that impacts everything from walking to talking.
“It can affect you out of nowhere like this,’’ Teddy’s Mum Lucy said.
“You might even know someone who has a condition that is being researched by the team at Children’s Medical Research Institute, and they’re so close to some incredible discoveries.
“We just need to tip it over the edge.
“And money is the way that more research happens.’’
The scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute can’t find the cures without medical research, and they can’t do the research without your support. Celebrate the 30th year of Jeans for Genes Day on Friday, August 4.
This year there are so many more ways to fundraise for research.
If you’d like to get fit, then why not try Sofa to 6km or the Skipping Challenge?
If cooking is more your thing, then hold a Bake it Blue event. Of course, there is always the original favourite of Wear Jeans to your school or workplace.
One in 20 kids need your help, so here’s your chance to help fund medical research to cure children’s genetic diseases, and have some fun at the same time.
To get involved or donate, visit JeansforGenes.org.au.
This post was produced by our newsroom.