Strutting Jeans Brings Awaress About Genes

As the doors opened last Thursday night at the Ocean Ballroom for the “It’s In Your Genes Fashion Show,” it was evident that this was going to be a great evening. Guests quickly began filing in and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement!

The event kicked off seamlessly with mixing and mingling before the main event; the fashion show! Hosted by Jordan and Dan Pious, the Massachusetts born brothers who won the Amazing Race Season 16, energy levels were high as this season’s latest in denim wear was shown. Bill Hallman modeled different and unique ways to rock your jeans and was followed by a funny video, directed and produced by Emory University Junior Derek Kopen. The video, entitled “What’s in your genes?” tested people on the street’s knowledge on Jewish Genetic Diseases and what they knew about the importance of getting screened. Izzy Maternity showed next, featuring chic clothing for up and coming mothers.

The most compelling part was an opportunity to see “Eden’s Story”; a mini-movie featuring the Gold family. Randy Gold, the 2011 Jewish Community Hero of the Year winner, and his wife Caroline founded the Atlanta Jewish Gene screen as a result of their daughter Eden being diagnosed with a Jewish Genetic disease that could have been preventable had their doctors screened for it. As Randy also reiterated when he spoke after the video, the most important thing that you can do is learn more; whether about the genetic diseases themselves, how they relate to your life and why getting screened is so important before starting a family, knowledge is power and the only way to reduce preventable diseases. With 19 known Jewish genetic diseases affecting 1 in 4 Jews means 25% of Ashkenazi Jews are affected. This is a large number as we experienced that evening. To demonstrate the point, every fourth guest, upon entering the event, was giving a blue bracelet to represent the 1 in 4 people who are carriers for genetic diseases. Seeing just how many people in the room that was, in and of itself, impactful.

After Randy, Raw Denim took to the runway with stylish outfits fit for every occasion from going out to a nice brunch on a lazy Sunday. Dooley Noted, an acapella group from Emory University, followed with an original song that paid homage to the importance of screening through a series of humorous relatable points such as “being aware before getting with a baum, berg or man.” The show concluded with Tootsies, showcasing the latest in different denim fashions, such as white jeans and jackets. Jordan Pious wrapped it up further emphasizing how important and easy getting screened really is!

Overall, the event was a smashing success and the turn out was fabulous! Thank you for everyone who came out for the show and to those who signed up to get screened!

For those of you who weren’t there, AJGS is planning other events this spring. Be on the lookout. In the meantime, you can check out the latest denim looks over on our Facebook page.  Also go our website to find out next screenings.

TAGS: atlanta events, atlanta jewish community, atlanta jewish gene screen, Fashion Show

About the author

Rachael Wolfson is originally from New York. She moved to Atlanta in August of 2008 to Attend Emory University, where she is currently a senior pursuing a degree in Sociology and Education, with a concentration in Child Development. Since coming to Emory, Rachael has been very involved with Hillel, holding a variety of executive board positions, as well as being the President of Jhealth, the social action healthcare club on campus. As an individual hoping to pursue a career in occupational therapy, Rachael works for the Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen and thinks it is particularly important because it is aiding in providing children with the best possible tools to succeed by ensuring that they are not born with any genetic problems. In her spare time, Rachael enjoys running and kickboxing.