Embargoed media alert: 0500. Tuesday October 31
Attention Producers
“Take the ‘sliding doors’ test”
Australian couples urged to be empowered by informed family planning
Launch of ground-breaking genetic screening service: Lumi Health
Topic:
From Tuesday October 31, all Australian couples will have access to affordable and timely reproductive genetic screening services through the launch of Lumi Health. Through a simple cheek swab test, would-be Australian parents can find out their chance of having a child with an inherited genetic condition. Lumi health screens for up to 750 severe childhood-onset genetic conditions.
This ‘sliding doors’ test will empower would-be parents to make informed family planning decisions.
Proposed Interviewees:
- Ms Rachael Casella
Lumi Health Ambassador
Rachael’s seven month old daughter, Mackenzie, died from the debilitating disorder spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and she is now determined to prevent another parent going through that pain. Her campaigning inspired Mackenzie's Mission and now, the launch of Lumi Health
Experts:
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Dr Dr Alison Archibald
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Professor Martin Delatycki AM
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Dr Lior Rauchberger
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Pioneer reproductive genetic counsellor
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Clinical Geneticist & researcher |
Founder and CEO
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Victorian Clinical Genetic Services)
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Lumi Health
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Lumi Health |
Lumi Health
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Background
- Six years ago Rachael and Jonathan Casella lost their beautiful baby girl Mackenzie after a painful battle with the inherited condition spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
- Rachael is determined that every would-be parent should have affordable and equitable access to reproductive genetic screening – empowering them to make informed family planning decisions.
- Mackenzie’s Mission inspired the launch of Lumi Health, a tri-partnership between myDNA Australia (myDNA), Victorian Clinical Genetic Services (VCGS) and Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)
- Lumi Health is aiming to increase access to reproductive carrier screening for all Australians with a simple cheek swab that can be done at home – making testing more available and empowering families in their family planning journey.
- From November 01, bulk billing will be available - screening for three of the most common inherited genetic conditions - cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome.
- Lumi Health will screen these three conditions for no out-of-pocket cost and will offer extended carrier screening options for up to another 750 inherited conditions, at a significantly reduced cost.
To arrange interview (live-to-air or pre-recorded)
Contact:
Jannette Cotterell. Executive Counsel Australia jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au
or text mobile: +61 419 204 059. NB other expert geneticists, GPS and parents can be made available
