State Member for Pine Rivers, Carolyn Male MP, is encouraging Pine Rivers residents to wear jeans on 6 August and make a donation to the annual ‘Jeans for Genes Day’ fundraiser.

Carolyn Male MP said funds raised on Jeans for Genes Day would go towards the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) for research into the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases.

“Genetic disorders are caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“There is a lot we don’t know about genetic disorders - particularly about how to prevent genetic defects or how to better treat them.”

“That’s why research into genetic disorders is so important - and Jeans for Genes Day provides vital funding to allow this work to continue,” Carolyn Male MP said.

Carolyn Male MP said genetic disorders were generally very rare but Queensland Health’s Genetic Health Queensland (GHQ) service saw approximately 3,500 Queenslanders each year because of a genetic disorder or a suspected disorder in the family.

“GHQ is a state-wide service that provides genetic services across Queensland to individuals and their families with a suspected or known inherited or genetic health condition,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“About half of the people who are seen by specialists at GHQ are concerned about their personal and family history of cancer.”

“GHQ sees over 500 pregnant women per year because of concerns of a possible genetic abnormality in their unborn child, and over 300 children per year to consider a genetic cause for developmental concerns.”

“There’s a lot of work to be done in this field and I encourage members of the Pine Rivers community to join me in supporting this great cause,” Carolyn Male MP said.

For more information about GHQ visit www.health.qld.gov.au/rch/professionals/genetics.asp.