Hello Family!
As we explore our shared history and grow our family tree on this website, preserving our heritage is always at the heart of what we do. However, I’ve realized lately that understanding our past is about more than just dates, places, and names; it’s also about understanding the health history encoded in our genes. Over the years I have had several cousins ask about possible inherited health issues or diseases experienced by descendants of the Genetti family line. Since I am not a health expert and I believe in some cases it is necessary to keep this information confidential, I was at a loss to offer any advice or share their inquiry on our website.
I wanted to share a personal experience with you. Recently, I decided to go through my healthcare provider for genetic medical testing. The results were eye-opening: I discovered that I carry one gene mutation for hereditary hemochromatosis. Although I don’t know which side of the family I inherited this mutation from and it does not medically impact me, it could seriously impact another cousin if they inherit two copies of this mutation – one from their mother and one from their father.
While this means I am just a “carrier,” it is a powerful reminder that our DNA is a roadmap for our family’s health. This discovery led me to a wonderful nonprofit called ConnectMyVariant. Their mission is “Prevention through Connection,” and their approach is centered on the idea that by sharing this info, we can significantly reduce the risk of inherited conditions for our entire extended family.
I’ve already personally entered my mutation into the free ConnectMyVariant database. I did this because discovering a genetic variant in one person provides crucial health information for potentially dozens of relatives—parents, siblings, and all of us cousins!
Why I’m Using ConnectMyVariant (and why you might too):
- Bridging the Gap: It provides a unique space for family members who share a specific variant to connect and support one another.
- Free Support: They even offer free help for anyone who registers to reach out to relatives once a variant is known, which I know can feel daunting.
- Education: You can see how this works through their Storybook or find answers to privacy questions in their FAQs.
A Proactive Step for Us All
Just as understanding our ancestry empowers us, knowing our family’s health history can be life-changing. I strongly encourage everyone to consider speaking with a healthcare professional about genetic testing. It only requires a simple cheek swab and nothing else. If you do uncover a specific variant, please consider joining me in the ConnectMyVariant database.
By sharing this information securely, you aren’t just learning for yourself; you’re creating a potential lifeline for another cousin who might be unaware of their risks. You could be giving a relative—perhaps someone we only know as a name on a chart—the gift of early knowledge and preventative care.
Let’s make sure our genealogy is a tool that helps shape a healthier future for all of us and the generations to come.
Online Genetic Testing Resources:
The Genetti Family Genealogy Project 