Jeans for Genes is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with a genetic disorder. This important initiative encourages children and adults to wear jeans to school and the workplace in exchange for a small donation. The money raised funds projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those people and their families in the UK, affected by these life-altering conditions. (1)
Genetic Disorders in the UK
- There are over 6,000 known genetic disorders affecting approximately 2.4 million people in the UK, with new conditions being identified on a regular basis.
- Around 30,000 babies and children are diagnosed with a genetic disorder each year.
- Just one fault in a single gene can mean that a child is born blind or deaf, cannot walk, talk or feed themselves, or lives a life of chronic pain.
- Some disorders are apparent at birth, whereas others only become symptomatic later in life and are diagnosed in childhood and, in some cases, in adulthood. (2)
Global Facts on Genetic Disorders
- Globally, it is estimated that 240 000 newborns die within 28 days of birth each year due to genetic disorders. These conditions also cause a further 170 000 deaths worldwide of children between the ages of 1 month and 5 years.
- Genetic disorders can contribute to long-term disability, which takes a significant toll on individuals, families, healthcare systems and communities.
- Nine out of ten children born with a serious congenital disorder are in low- and middle-income countries. (3)
Here at Porterhouse Medical, we work collaboratively with our clients to deliver medical communications of the highest standard across a broad range of therapy areas, including multiple genetic disorders.
Over the years, we have been proud to support Jeans for Genes by encouraging our teams to wear denim and using our healthcare expertise to write awareness pieces about genetic disorders such as Huntington’s Disease and Cystic Fibrosis – one of the most common single gene disorders in the UK.
This year is no exception with many Porterhouse people embracing our ‘rocking it’ in denim challenge throughout offices and testing their brilliant minds in the fun fund-raising ‘InJeanious’ Quiz.
Join the campaign and test your knowledge, here:
Good luck all!
- Jeans for Genes. Who we are. Available at: https://www.jeansforgenes.org/who-we-are. Accessed September 2023.
- 2. Gene People. About Gene People UK. Available at: https://genepeople.org.uk/about-us/. Accessed September 2023.
- World Health Organization. Congenital Disorders. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/birth-. Accessed September 2023.
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