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Date:  1 June 2007

Sinclair House holds drop-in Tay-Sachs screening session

Sinclair House held a Tay-Sachs screening session enabling people to find out if they are carriers of the fatal disease. It is a vital test as babies who are born with the disease will not live past the age of four – although both parents need to be carriers for a child to be affected.

The session took place at the Jewish Care-run centre in Woodford Bridge Road on Sunday 13th May and was free of charge. It involved taking blood samples which were sent to Guy’s Hospital to be analysed. The results will be sent out at a later date.

Tay-Sachs organiser Jess Clare said that the inherited genetic condition was prevalent in the Jewish community, where one in every 25 people was likely to be a carrier. Much research has been done but there is no cure.

Mrs Clare said: “To lose a baby to Tay-Sachs is a terrible thing to happen – we must help people to avoid future tragedy. Looking ahead, I would like to make links with local schools such as King Solomon High School with the aim of talking to pupils and holding a testing session there.”

Those tested included Gants Hill resident Rachel Allen, 24, a student and part-time Holocaust education worker. Describing the blood test as “painless,” she said: “I decided to be tested as I’m getting married next year. I think it is very important.”

Having just qualified as doctors, Asher Lewinsohn, 24, and his brother Bradley 25, from Chigwell, are fully aware of the consequences of the disease. They came forward to be tested and have offered their services as volunteers, to assist with blood taking at future screenings.

A former King Solomon High School head boy, Asher Lewinsohn said: “I think it is very important to spread awareness of the disease. A lot of people don’t know about Tay-Sachs and those who do tend to be blasé and don’t appreciate what can happen. It is fatal but can easily be prevented. It is a free test so there is no reason not to have it done.”

Talking of the test, junior doctor Bradley Lewinsohn said: “It is such a simple test, so easy – it felt like a little scratch.”

Also present, Tay-Sachs consultant Dr Philip Koch had lost two daughters to the disease, some years ago, prompting him to get involved with researching the condition and coming up with a test. He said: “I feel we have achieved something today, but there is much work to be done.”

For information on Tay-Sachs, please call Jess Clare on 07890 611119