Our tradition teaches us that the preservation of human life, in Judaism called "pikuach nefesh," takes precedence over all the other commandments. Studies consistently showing that 2 in 3 Ashkenazi Jews is at risk for carrying a genetic disease that could impact their future children. Making these kits available and empowering our local Charleston Jewish Community members with information about their carrier can save lives.
The founder of JScreen, Randy Gold, is the son of Charleston natives Martin and Missy Gold. Randy's daughter, Eden, was diagnosed with ML4, a Jewish genetic disease for which the Gold family had thought they had been screened by their doctors. Now a young teenager, Eden has limited vision and is unable to walk or talk. Eden is the inspiration for JScreen.