Friends of the Center Newsletter of the Greenwood Genetic Center BIOINFORMATICS Deciphering DNA
RACE THE HELIX Goes International
EDUCATION A New Generation
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Winter 2015
Klauber Legacy
importance of both advanced medicine and a positive outlook on one’s health, and this new plaza on our campus merges the two beautifully.” Klauber’s sons, Tom, Bill, John, and Jim, describe their father as a visionary. “Dad saw the future in genetic research and committed his time, talent and treasure to do what he could to support the GGC.” They describe a visit he made to a research facility in California where he “saw the cohesion brought about by a centralized plaza, which created not only a professional atmosphere, but beauty that would inspire vision for all those who saw it.”
Reader, if you seek my memorial - look around you. -epitaph of Sir Christopher Wren
Thanks to the generosity of one of the Center’s founding board members, the Greenwood campus has a new plaza as its centerpiece. The late Bill Klauber, MD, who passed away in 2014, was a longtime friend and supporter of the Center. Through the Klauber Trust, his estate provided funds for campus enhancements. The gift was used to create a plaza, an area in the center of the growing campus that includes three bronze sculptures, a fountain and new landscaping. The area opened for pedestrian traffic late this summer. The fountain is the culmination of a plan that began in 2004 when GGC procured the 15.8 ton rocks from Missouri. The sculptures are the creation of Dennis Smith based in Highlands, Utah, and display children engaging in various activities including kite flying, playing ball and walking on stilts. The stilts piece, the largest of the collection, features four children each looking over the campus in a different direction. “We have always made an effort to provide a pleasant work environment for our employees as well as a setting to make patients feel at ease and welcomed when they drive onto our campus,” shared Roger Stevenson, MD, co-founder of the Center and head of the plaza project. “Dr. Klauber had a great appreciation for the
But the plaza isn’t the only way Dr. Klauber has touched GGC this summer. His granddaughter, Mary Klauber, a junior at Clemson University, spent her summer in the Cytogenetics Laboratory under the supervision of Senior Director, Dr. Barb DuPont. Mary worked on a project analyzing the mitochondria in cells of patients with autism. Mary, who plans a career in medicine, shared, “My grandfather had a huge impact on my interest in the medical field. He was so passionate about GGC. He taught me to use my love for and knowledge of science for the good of mankind.” “Summer internships, like the one Mary has recently completed, are wonderful ways for students to gain valuable laboratory experience and explore their real ambitions in the field,” shared DuPont. “Dr. Klauber’s legacy will be felt for years to come at GGC through the enjoyment and collaborative inspiration of this plaza, and it will follow Mary wherever her scientific career leads her,” said Stevenson. Work on the plaza continues with seating and more landscaping planned. A formal dedication will occur in the spring. Dr. Klauber served on the GGC Board of Directors from 1974-1980, and again from 1993-2005. He was named an emeritus director in 2006.
Counselors and Trainees Achieve Board Certification Two GGC genetic counselors, Hannah Warren, MS and Elizabeth Francisco, MS, obtained board certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling this summer. Hannah joined GGC in May of 2014 after graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine’s genetic counseling program. She provides pediatric and cancer genetic counseling services in Greenwood. Elizabeth joined GGC earlier this year after completing her genetic counseling degree at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. She is a prenatal genetic counselor based in GGC’s Greenville office.
GGC also congratulates three former trainees who have achieved board certification from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Frank Bartel, PhD Hannah Warren, MS, CGC Elizabeth Francisco, MS, CGC completed his Clinical Molecular Genetics fellowship at GGC in 2014 and has established Trinity Genomics in California. Dr. Bartel is also board certified in Clinical Cytogenetics. Lucas Bronicki, PhD completed a Clinical Molecular Genetics fellowship at GGC in 2015 and recently began a position as Assistant Director of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Caleb Bupp, MD finished a Medical Genetics residency at GGC in 2014 and is practicing at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Treatment Team in High Gear
Iris Escobar, accompanied by Dr. Steve Skinner, shares her story with GGC employees.
GGC and Local Church Bring Hope to Honduran Family
Carolina Escobar is a 3-year-old girl from Honduras. Her mother, Iris, became concerned around 8 months of age as Carolina began regressing in her development. Listening to her mother’s intuition, Iris knew there was something more to it than her Honduran doctors were able to explain. She brought Carolina to see an American medical mission team in January with the hope of finding answers. Little did she know at the time she would not only receive the answer she had been desperately searching for, but that her daughter would be diagnosed by a physician with expertise in this rare disorder, who is also actively searching for a treatment. Carolina and her mother were seen in Tegucigalpa, Honduras by GGC Research Neurologist, Dr. Ken Holden, and GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner. They were able to make a clinical diagnosis of Rett syndrome which was confirmed by the GGC laboratories
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 females. Girls with Rett syndrome develop normally for the first months of life followed by a regression of development resulting in lifelong severe language deficits and intellectual disability. Most are unable to speak and have limitations in walking and the use of their hands. Skinner has studied Rett syndrome for many years and is currently part of the NIH Rett Syndrome Natural History Study. He has evaluated over 150 patients with Rett syndrome and is working through GGC’s Treatment Initiative with new Curry Chair, Dr. Walter Kaufmann, on clinical trials for the disorder. Dr. Holden has been making mission trips to Honduras for over 25 years and was the inspiration for Skinner to become involved over a decade ago. “Most of the patients we see are in need of very basic medical care,” shared Skinner. “However, when we see patients
with developmental or other genetic concerns, my colleagues at GGC have always stepped in to support these patients by making laboratory diagnoses, assisting with therapies, and providing expertise that these families would otherwise not have access to.” Skinner’s mission team is sponsored by Main Street United Methodist Church who brought Iris and Carolina to Greenwood. “I was drawn to Iris and her daughter when they first entered the clinic,” shared Kathy Kelly, Program Director for the church and member of the mission team (pictured below with Carolina). “As this story was unfolding in Honduras, all of us on the team knew we could do more for this family and that Greenwood was the place they needed to be.” Kelly shared her idea of bringing this family to Greenwood with her church’s congregation. “They responded immediately and generously to provide the funds for Iris and Carolina to travel to Greenwood and obtain the medical services she needs,” said Kelly. Iris and Carolina spent a week in Greenwood in June, undergoing evaluations with GGC clinicians and sharing her story with both Main Street UMC as well as the employees of GGC . At the end of the week, the pair travelled to Birmingham, AL to attend the Southeastern Rett Syndrome Alliance Conference. “We timed their visit to make sure they would have the opportunity to meet not only with medical experts but to attend this conference and meet other families impacted by Rett syndrome,” said Skinner. “Having connections and support from others who are walking the same journey is tremendously helpful for families facing a rare diagnosis, and is a resource that is lacking in Honduras.”
With the addition of Dr. Walter Kaufmann as the Ravenel Boykin Curry Chair in Genetic Therapeutics, GGC’s treatment initiatives have moved forward with excitement in the past few months. Dr. Kaufmann is bringing a phase II clinical trial to GGC from Boston Children’s Hospital for girls with Rett syndrome. This trial will be a collaborative effort with Boston Children’s Hospital, Chicago’s Rush Medical Center, and the Greenville Hospital System in South Carolina. It will test the impact of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is known to be a crucial protein in brain development, and its use has shown improvement of symptoms in mouse models of Rett syndrome and in a phase I trial in humans. “Dr. Kaufmann’s arrival has jumpstarted the clinical trials process within our treatment team,” shared Jennifer Stallworth, MS, a genetic counselor and coordinator for the team. “Several other projects are also in the planning stages, including the development of an interdisciplinary clinic for Rett syndrome and a multi-site Fragile X clinic. Research conducted at these clinics will enhance our understanding of the natural history of these disorders, which are some of the more common genetic causes of intellectual disability .” In other treatment programs, the Center currently follows 27 patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy for rare conditions and 240 patients on dietary therapy for metabolic disorders, mainly those diagnosed by the newborn screening program.
CLINICS
Clemson Collaborative News
‘Fabulous’ New Look for Birth Defects Prevention Program
“But, if we can get the message across that folic acid is good for general health,” Dean said, “we can make it a habit - then when the time comes for a pregnancy, or an unplanned pregnancy occurs, they’re nutritionally ready.” In addition to birth defect prevention, research has also shown folic acid to be beneficial in other ways. Folic acid can help both men and women by improving cardiovascular health and cognitive function, treating depression, and decreasing the risk of some cancers.
Construction is underway on GGC’s campus for the Clemson Center for Human Genetics. The facility, which is adjacent to the JC Self Research Institute is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016. The 17,000 sqft building will include eight laboratories as well as office and classroom spaces. It will house the Self Family Chair in Human Genetics, for which recruitment is underway, four additional new Clemson faculty, and up to 15 graduate students focusing on human genetic research in areas such as intellectual disability, autism and cancer genetics. The focus will be on developing improved diagnostic testing and therapies for a variety of genetic disorders.
For more information about the Clemson/GGC partnership, visit the collaboration’s new website at www.clemsonchg.com.
The SC Birth Defects Prevention Program’s billboards and materials are a little harder to miss these days. The program, headed by statewide coordinator Jane Dean, RN, (pictured above) updated its look this summer to include a new campaign touting the many benefits of folic acid. The new logo which includes a change of colors as well as a new slogan was designed to be more eye catching, as well as to appeal to the target audience - women of childbearing age. “We are very excited about the ‘fabulous’ new look which now graces our printed materials as well as numerous billboards across the state,” shared Dean. “The new slogan not only shares the message that taking folic acid prevents birth defects, but also alludes to the fact that folic acid - in general - is good for everyone.” According to Dean, one challenge the program has had in the past is getting the message through to young women who aren’t planning a pregnancy anytime soon. “With half of all pregnancies in the US unplanned, we must make women aware of the importance of folic acid supplementation early,” said Dean. “Waiting until a pregnancy is confirmed is too late for the vitamin to have its impact.”
In South Carolina, thanks in large part to the efforts of the prevention program, folic acid supplementation has lead to a 60% decline in severe birth defects of the brain and spine. South Carolina’s program, which is a collaborative effort between GGC and the SC Departments of Disabilities and Special Needs and Health and Environmental Control, is held up in other states as a model of how to implement a successful birth defects prevention program. The successes of the program have been shared recently at the National Birth Defects Prevention Network annual meeting and in an article published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, a top-tier journal in the field. The successes of the program were so striking that the journal editors chose for their October cover, a graph from the article demonstrating the drastic decline in these birth defects within SC over the past 22 years (pictured below).
For more information on the SC Birth Defects Prevention Program, or to schedule a speaker for your group, contact Jane Dean at 1-800-SOMEDAY or Jane@ggc.org.
Autism Program Update GGC’s autism program continues to make progress in the development of a blood test that can identify at-risk children before the features of autism are clinically recognizable. Through metabolic analyses, researchers have identified substances that are either elevated or decreased in children with autism when compared to typically developing children. Theses discoveries are also pointing researchers in the direction of potential therapeutic targets.
The Believe in Me Foundation, based in Atlanta, recently provided a $50,000 grant to GGC’s Autism Program. “The Foundation is focused on promoting opportunities, education and research solutions for individuals on the autism spectrum,” shared Justin Ryan (second from right), member of the Board of Directors of the Believe in Me Foundation and a trustee of the GGC Foundation. “We are confident that this gift will help promote these goals by supporting the Center’s work to identify biochemical markers and more defined treatment for autism.” Pictured above: Bob Erwin, Chair of GGC Foundation Board; Victoria Hann, Director of Development; Justin Ryan; and Tim Wood, Director of the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory.
To further those goals, GGC is currently recruiting families in the Greenwood area who are expecting a baby before June 2016 or families with a child 18 months or younger. Children who enroll in the study will provide valuable information to assess the developmental changes involved in autism and identify at what age the autism blood test is most sensitive. If you or someone you know is interested contact GGC at 1-800939-1920.
More details about the GGC Autism Program’s work can be found in the Center’s Autism Report at http://www.ggc.org
Understanding the Reason Behind the Research their continued commitment to researching this ultra-rare disorder (pictured below). In August, Schwartz was invited to present at the First Christianson Syndrome Conference in Houston (pictured left). This conference brought together scientists and families from around the world to discuss this intellectual disability syndrome, for which Schwartz was part of the team that identified the Christianson syndrome gene.
GGC’s Director of Research, Dr. Charles Schwartz, has an international reputation as a premier genetics researcher in the area of intellectual disability. He takes pride in the discoveries made in his laboratory and in the publications that come out of the research division, but his greatest drive comes in the form of the hope he can provide to families of patients with genetic disorders. In June, Schwartz, along with Dr. Roger Stevenson were part of the first Snyder-Robinson Syndrome (SRS) International Conference in Arlington, VA, where both served as speakers. The conference was organized by the SRS Foundation and included researchers and families. Schwartz and Stevenson were presented with a special recognition award for their work in identifying the SRS gene and
“It is terrific that GGC earns some recognition from these organizations for our work on identifying genes and studying the mechanisms,” shared Schwartz. “But what is really so important about these meetings is the bringing together of researchers and families - all who share the common goal of seeing progress made toward effective therapies. The fact that someone out there is working on these rare disorders provides tremendous hope for these families. Being around these families reminds us of what it is we’re working toward.”
RESEARCH
Lee Promoted to Associate Director Jennifer Lee, PhD has been promoted to Associate Director of the Greenwood Genetic Center’s Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. She earned a doctorate in Molecular and Human Genetics from the Baylor College of Medicine where she also completed a Clinical Molecular Fellowship. Prior to joining GGC in 2013, Dr. Lee spent several years in Germany where she established testing platforms for the routine diagnosis of intellectual disability at the University of Bonn. While at GGC she has focused on the molecular diagnosis of a variety of genetic conditions with expertise in a host of molecular technologies. She has a particular interest in intellectual disability syndromes, neuromuscular disorders, and connective tissue disorders. Dr. Lee is board certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics and is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. She is also a member of the American Society of Human Genetics.
GGC Testing Helps Patients Target Cancer Treatment “Identifying the chromosomal abnormalities present in the bone marrow of a patient with leukemia or lymphoma can provide critical information to assist that patient and their physician with a treatment plan,” said Barb DuPont, PhD, Senior Director of the Cytogenetics Lab at GGC. “Specific chromosome changes help us not only determine the prognosis for that patient, but may also identify which therapies would be most effective. This is what personalized medicine is all about - tailoring the therapy to the specific genetic makeup of the patient and/or their disease.”
By way of a new agreement between Self Regional Healthcare and GGC’s Cytogenetics Laboratory, the Center is providing cancer patients with valuable cytogenetic evaluations of certain cancers including leukemia, lymphoma and other hematological disorders. The laboratory performs karyotyping, or an analysis of the chromosomes, in the bone marrow sample and a test called FISH (fluorescent in-situ hybridization). These two studies can identify if the bone marrow contains extra or missing pieces of genetic material, or if that material is rearranged. Certain changes within the chromosomes of the bone marrow can provide prognostic and treatment information.
Meet our Star! Pollard honored as an Under 40 Star by Greenwood Chamber
Pictured above left - Cytogenetics laboratory technologists, Jill Johnson (standing) and Marsha Waters, analyze an abnormal karyotype from a bone marrow specimen. Pictured above - An example of FISH analyses showing chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with plasma cell myeloma. Colored fluorescent probes attach to various areas of the DNA. Two copies of each color is normal. Extra signals indicates an extra chromosome or piece of a chromosome, while fewer signals indicates a deleted area or missing chromosome.
Laura Pollard, PhD, Associate Director of the GGC Biochemica who demonstrate excellence within their profession, make a po through the Center’s Medical Genetics Training Program. She i
Pollard was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Biochem best efforts for the patients tested in our lab and work tirelessly
Sara Cathey, MD of GGC’s Charleston office concurred, “Laura compassion for the people impacted by her work, and a genuine
Laura and her husband Austin have two children, Aubrey, 5, an
Bioinformatics - Deciphering DNA
The days of sequencing small pieces of DNA by reading through the DNA code are giving way to a more advanced, higherthroughput way of analyzing larger amounts of genetic data. Bioinformatics is a field that merges biology and computer science to interpret gene sequencing data.
genes based on the patient’s features. This process allows us to get information back to the patients quicker.”
With the new technologies available in the field of molecular genetics, labs are able to generate large amounts of information about a patient’s DNA sequence. The challenge lies in determining which DNA changes are related to the patient’s symptoms, as well as which changes are harmful and which are benign.
With labs all over the world creating these massive amounts of biological data, McGee predicts that patient care will improve dramatically. “These methods are improving the ways that we to determine what DNA changes are meaningful for a patient’s health. Once that is understood, personalized therapies will be tailored to that patient’s specific genetic makeup,” said McGee. “Bioinformatics will be necessary to manage and interpret all of that information, and will be at the forefront of personalized medicine for years to come.”
GGC has two bioinformaticists in the DNA Diagnostic Laboratory who use computer algorithms to sift through the massive amounts of data generated by current technologies. Using computer algorithms, Stephen McGee, MS and Katie Kubiak, MS sort through the information created from the lab’s next generation sequencing platforms. They then compare those results with online databases. Bioinformatic analysis helps determine if a DNA change that is found in a patient is the explanation for their condition. There are an estimated 20,000 genes in the human genome. “Taking a look at one gene at a time for each patient would take an incredible amount of time,” said Kubiak. “Using algorithms and computer programming, we can sort through all of those
Bioinformaticists use high performance computing clusters to accomplish their tasks which, McGee says, “have become the new, high-tech lab notebooks for our field.”
Algorithms like McGee and Kubiak use for patient care are also applicable to other fields. McGee shared “Bioinformatic algorithms are also in use in the stock market to determine effective trading strategies.” Kubiak added, “In 2009 Netflix awarded a million dollar prize to a group that designed and algorithm to recommend movies to customers. This is the same type of process that we use to data mine genes.” Pictured above: McGee and Kubiak review a patient’s exome data, aligning the patient’s DNA sequence with a known reference sequence.
al Genetics Laboratory, was honored by the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce as an Under 40 Star. The program recognizes emerging leaders ositive impact on the community, and are role models for their peers. Pollard joined GGC’s faculty in 2011 after completing two fellowships is board certified in both Clinical Biochemical Genetics and Clinical Molecular Genetics.
mical Genetics Laboratory Director, Dr. Tim Wood, who shared “Laura’s aptitude for biochemical genetics is second to none. She puts forth her on a national level as an advocate for newborn screening expansion.”
a makes complicated work look easy. She accomplishes this with a rare combination of strengths – an intelligent mind, passion for her work, e smile.”
nd Connor, 2.
DIAG N O ST IC S
Two Board Members Complete Terms
Jane Charles, MD joined the GGC Board of Directors in 2007. A developmental pediatrician at the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Charles specializes in the diagnosis and care of children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. She is involved in both clinical care as well as research to better understand autism and its increasing prevalence. She has been a member of the Board’s Long-Range Planning Committee guiding the Center’s scientific goals, particularly as they relate to autism research and services.
RAINS DON’T DAMPEN THE 5th ANNUAL RACE THE HELIX
Even with historic rains in the forecast, Race the Helix organizers never wavered in their planning. “We were a little worried about participation with the bad weather,” shared race codirector Stephen Shenal. “Some participants were kept away by the weather, but we actually had 40 people show up and sign up that morning!” Event organizers and volunteers were “blown away” with the participation and enthusiasm of the runners. Nearly 130 people ran the 5K or walked the 1 mile course to raise awareness and funds for the GGC Foundation. The Shenal family started Race the Helix in 2011, just a month shy of their daughter, Ryleigh’s first birthday. “The care we received when Ryleigh was diagnosed, and the care we continue to receive through GGC is second to none,” said Jodi Shenal, who co-directs the race with her husband. “We don’t know where we’d be without their support.” Ryleigh’s special education teachers, Brittany Walters and Amanda Whittle, AKA ‘Team Ryleigh’ (pictured right) also showed up to run in the rain. “Ryleigh would be here running her hardest if she could, so instead, we’re here to run for her,” said Whittle. This year’s event also drew runners from across the country and across the pond. Kim Caple, a Senior Vice President with Affymetrix in Santa Clara, California, and her husband, Tony, participated to support GGC and the Shenal family. The company had the Shenals visit their headquarters in California to speak to their employees, and immediately bonded with the family. Kim not only ran, but she won her age division. But the award for the runners who travelled the greatest distance goes to Front Line Genomics’ Commercial Director, Freddy White, (pictured above in the blue shirt) and CEO, Dr. Richard Lumb, both from London. Front Line Genomics (FLG) has taken on Race the Helix as their social mission, supporting the Foundation through a series
of Treadmill Challenges at their Festival of Genomics events. At the June Festival in Boston, over $4,500 was raised by having vendors challenge each other running on a treadmill on the exhibit floor. The second treadmill challenge was held in San Francisco in November. “The treadmill challenge is a fun way to engage others in the genetics community to support GGC and the families we serve,” shared Alka Chaubey, PhD, GGC’s Cytogenetics Laboratory Director and the one who facilitated the relationship between GGC and FLG. “GGC is an organization with compassion for patients as its core value,” said White. “The work they do to support patients and their families is amazing, and we are honoured to support them in any way we can.” Members of the FLG team who couldn’t make the 4,000 mile journey, held their own Race the Helix in London and shared their photos and times via social media.
Save the Date
For more information: Race the Helix ggc.org/race-the-helix @RaceTheHelix Front Line Genomics frontlinegenomics.com @FLGenomics Affymetrix affymetrix.com
Race the Helix-Upstate Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Conestee Park in Greenville.
Marshall I. Pickens joined the GGC Board of Directors in 1997. Retired as President of Ramseur Oil Co. in Anderson, Pickens has brought his extensive experience in business and finance to the Greenwood Genetic Center Board. He departs the Board as the current Chair of the Nominating and By-Laws Committee and as a member of the Personnel Committee. He has previously served on the Board’s Finance Committee. “For nearly two decades, Marshall has provided GGC with instructive advice and has been a loyal and faithful member of our Board,” shared Steve Skinner, GGC Director.
Genetics Education - For the Young and Young at Heart
for a tour and lab activity. “GGC lectures and visits always bring rave reviews,” shared Jones. Lander University has also started offering short courses aimed at seniors. Their Lakeland’s Lifelong Learning Network (LLLN) offers a course entitled Genetics - Technologies and Roles in Healthcare that meets twice at GGC. The participants complete a hands-on lab activity and learn more about the services that GGC offers, the Center’s research, and how the genetics field is advancing and impacting patients at all ages. “These adult education programs offer many benefits including stimulating programs and interaction with local leaders in these fields as well as other seniors who have a passion for learning,” said Tribble.
At the heart of the Education Division at GGC lies the outreach opportunities aimed at students in middle and high school as well as the training programs for new genetics professionals. But in recent years the program has become more engaged with a different population - retirees. “It’s important that we work to impact younger students to engage them in genetics and encourage them to consider careers in the field,” said Leta Tribble, PhD, GGC’s Director of Education. “But, we’ve found that there is a growing interest among senior adults who are looking to stay informed and engaged about their communities as well as learn about fields that may be different from the ones they pursued during their careers.”
She also noted that she and the other instructors look forward to their visits. “These groups always provide for lively discussions and stimulating conversations when they are on campus,” said Tribble. “They have a strong interest in traditional genetics topics, and are very engaged in ethical scenarios and emerging areas such as cancer and cardiac genetics.” Pictured above - L-R Mary Parker and Jeff and Trudi Rounsley, who visited GGC with a group from OLLI at Furman University, work on a biochemical genetics lab activity to identify the correct diagnosis for a simulated patient. Pictured below - Dr. Tribble reviews results from their lab activity with members of the Lakeland’s Lifelong Learning Network.
Dr. Tribble and other speakers from GGC have been invited on multiple occasions to provide presentations for Furman University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI offers a course on Genetics and Society coordinated by Dr. Mary Lou Jones. “OLLI students are all very aware about the wide world and love learning new things,” said Jones. “Instructors from GGC have shared information our students want to study in greater depth such as research being conducted at GGC and other genetics programs benefitting our state.” The class has also had a visit from the Gene Machine Mobile Science Lab and recently made a field trip to the GGC’s Greenwood campus
To schedule a tour or activity for your group, contact Dr. Leta Tribble at lmt@ggc.org or (864)943-4170.
E D U C AT I O N
Employee Campaign Wraps Up with Surprise from Countybank
L-R: Countybank representatives, David Tompkins, Lynn Turner, VP and Commercial Relationship Manager; and Dayle Mumford, VP and Financial Center Manager, present the gift to GGC Director Dr. Steve Skinner (far right).
The GGC Foundation’s 2015 employee campaign concluded in October with 52% of employees contributing $43,183 to support the Center. At that announcement, David Tompkins, Sr. Vice President and Greenwood Market Executive with Coutybank was on hand to thank all GGC employees and announce the bank’s commitment to the Center. In honor of the dedication of the employees of GGC, Countybank pledged to match employee contributions to the Foundation, up to $20,000 each year for the next five years. GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner expressed his gratitude to both Countybank and GGC’s employees, “The things we’re accomplishing at GGC are a direct result of our talented employees, and it is gratifying that those in our community, like Countybank, recognize not only our dedication to our patients, but also our generosity and belief in this mission.”
Dear GGC Friends and Donors,
Foundation. The GGC and GGC Foundation Boards have been challenged to raise $70,000, and we are certain we will reach our goal before year’s end. We are also reaching out to the Center’s friends and donors asking them to consider the GGC Foundation in year-end gift plans. As seen elsewhere in this newsletter, many exciting things are going on at the Greenwood Genetic Center including the development of a objective blood test for the diagnosis of autism which hopefully will lead to treatment at the earliest stage and the ultimate mitigation of this debilitating disease, which according to recent statistics affects approximately 1 in 68 of our youth, 1 in 42 males.
The Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation Board of Trustees
The mission of the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation is to support the mission of the Greenwood Genetic Center through philanthropic support which comes from outreach efforts. This past year, the Foundation has made available $245,000 for the general operating budget at the Greenwood Genetic Center. In addition, we have raised $1,204,000 through a few very unique gifts and pledges. 2015 was a year of great progress for the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation. Some of our most significant successes are creating a culture of understanding philanthropy, as well as a greater awareness of the Foundation and the needs of GGC. Through these efforts, the Foundation continues to increase giving to the Greenwood Genetic Center. Your continued support of this effort is both appreciated and needed if we are to significantly impact the operation and mission of the Center and how it transitions into the new realm of genetic medicine. Our annual campaign is in progress and has been led by a $100,000 matching grant from Countybank in honor of our GGC employees. Our employees have recently completed their annual giving campaign and have contributed more than $43,000 to the
The vision and philanthropy of James C. Self and The Self Family Foundation, along with your support and the outstanding professional staff, has made the Greenwood Genetic Center a respected center with a national and international reputation. Thank you to everyone who donated to the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation in 2015. Your generosity will continue to support families impacted by birth defects, developmental disabilities, or other genetic conditions that require expertise, as they navigate the complex landscape of genetic medicine. For these individuals and their families, the Greenwood Genetic Center is there, with the compassionate experience to provide diagnosis, treatment, support and education. If you have not supported us in the past, please join us in making your gift at www.ggc.org. I am honored to serve as Chair of the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation and ask once again that you accept my kind regards and appreciation for your support.
Robert M. Erwin, Jr., Chair GGC Foundation Board of Trustees
DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS KEY TO FOUNDATION SUCCESS
Volunteer Spotlight
Donor Spotlight
Sharlene Greene joined the Foundation Board of Trustees in the spring of 2014. She is a strong advocate for GGC. “I have a great deal of respect for the mission of GGC and the many ways that it serves our patients and their families; many of whom are searching for answers to genetic diseases or birth defect causes. To me, the most important parts of the GGC equation are the individual people who work together, as a cohesive team, to move GGC forward. I have had the good fortune to speak to numerous people who work for or volunteer for GGC. They are truly an inspiring group.”
Lisa Todd is a GGC employee who came to GGC in 2006 as a Lander student pursing a biology degree with an emphasis in genetics. Two years later, she accepted a full time position as a lab technologist and working in the microarray lab.
Sharlene and her husband, Richard, moved to Abbeville, from New Jersey, in 2002. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling/ Administration. Sharlene has worked in education as an administrator, guidance counselor and teacher. Richard, an electrical engineer, designed the memory chips for the original GPS Satellite System and is an expert witness for the semi-conductor industry. Sharlene is also a Guardian ad-Litem and a volunteer teacher at Leath Correctional Institution. Richard and Sharlene enjoy traveling to learn about people of other nations and their cultures. “We also embark on some interesting adventures like trekking a glacier...didn’t think that one through.” Richard and Sharlene have three children; Stacie, an aeronautical engineer, is married, lives in Texas, and is the Safety Officer for the International Space Station; David, a mechanical engineer, lives in Chicago with his wife and their two ‘amazing’ grandchildren; Tammy, a private practice therapist, lives in Boston. “GGC is like an iceberg…interesting when you hear about it, impressive when you see it, and very inspiring and motivating when you actually learn about and climb it.” -Sharlene Greene, with husband, Richard, climbing a glacier in New Zealand.
Lisa was born in upstate New York, but at 6 weeks of age started moving all over the country with her father’s work. That continued until she was 18 when they landed in South Carolina. Lisa now lives in Honea Path, SC with her three children; Christopher, 24, who works with an Atlanta-based architectural firm; Sebastian, 19, a sophomore at Lander studying theater and voice acting who performs routinely at the Greenwood Community Theater; and Aria, 17, Lisa’s “Mini Me” and a high school senior who plays the saxophone. “My children are my source of inspiration for everything I do, and why I went back to school as an adult in order to provide a better life for them, and to teach them the benefits of hard work and learning.” For fun, Lisa likes to travel and experience new places and people, wherever that might take her. The beach, mountains, road trips in general are a favorite past time for her and her family. Lisa served on the 2015 Employee Gifts Campaign Committee for the Foundation and when asked why she chose to serve and to donate to the GGC Foundation, she replied “My children are also the reason I choose to donate, to teach them as hard as it seems for you, there are always others who may need more. I don’t give much, but if you take my little bit and add another person’s little bit and then another little bit, you can really make a difference in helping others in need. I try to help in little ways that might make a meaningful impact. “I love my GGC family and am just happy to be doing something that I believe in my heart to be important and bigger than me.”
Reception Honors Double Helix Society
Bal Ballentine, member of the GGC Board of Directors and his wife, Kit, welcomed members of the GGC Foundation’s Double Helix Society to their Greenwood farm on October 8th for a reception. The Double Helix Society recognizes annual donors who have contributed $1,000 or more to the Foundation over the past year. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and music by Keller Ridgeway, and each society member was presented with a special gift. GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner addressed the attendees thanking them for their generosity and continued commitment to the Center. “The Ballentine farm was beautiful, the food was superb and the music was a great listen,” said event organizer and GGC Foundation Board Member, Sharlene Greene “The reception was a special way for the Foundation to thank the Double Helix Society Members for their continuing, and ever increasing, support of the GGC mission.” Pictured above - Dr. Skinner with Kit and Bal Ballentine
F O U N D AT I O N Lisa and her ‘Mini-Me,’ Aria
The Greenwood Genetic Center is a nonprofit institute established to provide clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and research in the field of medical genetics.
106 Gregor Mendel Circle Greenwood, SC 29646 (888) 442-4363
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