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Genetic Counseling: A Foundation for Compatibility

Updated: Dec 17, 2024

By Dr. Jasmine Kaur

 

When people think about compatibility, they often imagine shared values, interests, and goals–the traits that help two individuals connect on a deeper level. Compatibility is even considered one of the five “C’s” that predict a successful relationship (Smith-Keller, 2023). It’s what draws us to someone and makes us wonder if we can build a life together. But as we navigate conversations, shared experiences, and future plans, there’s one critical aspect of compatibility that’s often overlooked: genetic compatibility.


Imagine this: Two people meet, fall in love, and spend hours learning about each other—their pasts, their dreams, their quirks. They imagine a future where their lives intertwine beautifully. Yet beneath the surface lies a hidden layer of their story, one that could impact not only their health but the health of their future family. This is where genetic counseling comes into play.


The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines genetic counseling as guidance provided by a

specialized healthcare professional to help individuals or families understand genetic disorders (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2024). In simpler terms, it’s a way to explore how our genetic makeup; those tiny, invisible codes that shape who we are; might influence the lives we build with someone else.


What Happens During Genetic Counseling?

The process begins with a comprehensive family medical history for both individuals. This isn’t just a deep dive into ancestry; it’s a tool to analyze the likelihood of diseases occurring or recurring. Genetic counselors help individuals understand inheritance patterns, testing options, management strategies, and preventive measures (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2024).


More importantly, they provide support within cultural, personal, and familial contexts. They don’t just hand over results—they empower individuals with the tools needed to make informed decisions, reduce anxiety, and prepare for potential outcomes (Uhlmann et al., 2011). Genetic counseling isn’t about creating fear; it’s about fostering understanding and equipping people to face the future with confidence.


Breaking Down Stigmas

In many cultures, discussing health-related topics can feel taboo. Vulnerability makes these conversations difficult, leading some to hide critical information from their partners. A recent

survey revealed that over half of Americans (51%) admitted to concealing health-related information from their romantic partners out of fear it might affect intimacy (Tebra, 2023).


However, research also shows that open communication—another one of the five “C’s” of a successful relationship—strengthens trust and fosters intimacy (Smith-Keller, 2023). By having honest discussions about genetic risks, partners can make informed decisions about their health and their family’s future together (Tebra, 2023).


What Can Be Screened?

Genetic counseling offers insights into conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease, spinal muscular atrophy, thalassemia, Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, phenylketonuria (PKU), and inherited cancers. This isn’t just a list of medical terms, it’s an opportunity to prepare, plan, and protect.


The Path Forward

Including genetic compatibility in the relationship conversation doesn’t mean creating a barrier, it means adding a layer of understanding. By addressing potential health issues openly, we break stigmas and build healthier foundations for our relationships. When we know more, we can plan better. And when we plan better, we give our future selves, and our families, the best chance at thriving together.


References:

1. Smith-Keller, K. (2023, November 8). 5 C's of healthy relationships. Mount Marty

University. LINK

2. National Human Genome Research Institute. (2024). Genetic counseling. Genetics

Glossary. LINK

3. Uhlmann, W. R., Schuette, J. L., & Yashar, B. M. (2011). A guide to genetic counseling

(2nd ed.). Bethesda, MD: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). LINK

4. Tebra. (2023). Keeping secrets: Repercussions of hiding health concerns. The Intake.

LINK


 
 
 

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who we are ...

We are concert organizers with a passion to raise money for medical research. Our talented staff handles all aspects of the process from identifying the right headliner, booking the venue, promoting the event, and selling the tickets. We include your medical research organization in our planning sessions, catering the event to your needs and expectations. A portion of the proceeds from the event are then donated directly to your organization.

our talented staff

Max Hann, Director of Advertising and Promotion
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Max Hann has previously worked as a publicist, a video producer, and communications consultant. Max is from Mount Laurel, New Jersey and currently attends Rowan University as a Edelman Scholar and a dual major in Advertising and Radio, Television, and Film. 

Gabriella Schwochert, Associate Producer
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Gabriella Schwochert is an experienced event planner and conference planner and is also available to fully plan meal and dessert events before or after the concert for our clients. She is a student at Ocean County College majoring in hospitality management.

Emily Federico, Director of Public Relations and Social Media
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Emily Federico is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Florida Atlantic University, with a focus on Hospitality and Marketing. She has a strong passion for event coordination and is a specialist in event marketing. She has special interest in healthcare communications. She is an experienced social media coordinator and enjoys promoting our concerts to our audiences while highlighting the medical advances of our partner charities.

Ava Handler, Associate Producer
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Ava Handler is a student at Northeastern University majoring in music management. She is an talented performer herself and recently spent a semester in Dublin, Ireland. She brings her passion for promoting musical artists and her skills of helping to produce concerts to our organization.

Bob Kieserman, Producer
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Bob Kieserman has been producing entertainment for over 40 years. A performer himself, as a young man, Bob toured the east coast as both a solo performer and as the founder and leader of a 20-person singing group. He has since promoted many concerts and productions and truly enjoys bringing quality entertainment to audiences while also benefiting medical research. Bob spent his career as a professor of healthcare administration and medical ethics and has worked with major hospitals and medical practices throughout the country. 

coming this summer
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the distinctive harmonies of Steve & Steve
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Steve & Steve are two 70-something singer-songwriters who have been “keepin’ 60s music alive” since before 60s music was considered “oldies”.

 

Both from northern New Jersey, Steve Messinger ("Mess") and Steve Bernstein ("Bernie") met as students at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA in 1969. It all started one afternoon when Bernie, a freshman, brought his guitar into the lobby of the coed dorm hoping to meet women, when, lo and behold, Mess, a sophomore, walked by, sat down with Bernie and instantly the two started to harmonize on tunes by The Beatles, The Everly Brothers and others. Thus, a legendary act was born.

 

Following their time together at F&M and a 10-year post-college hiatus, Steve & Steve reunited in 1983 to perform at Bernie's 10th year F&M Reunion, which rekindled their passion for performing together.

 

Steve & Steve have been privileged to share concert stages with some of their favorite 60s artists: Chad & Jeremy, The Grass Roots, Jay & The Americans, Herman’s Hermits (with Peter Noone), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), Micky Dolenz (The Monkeys), The Happenings, Kate Taylor (whose first  60s-era album was produced by her brother, James), Don Dannemann (The Cyrkle), The Fifth Dimension, plus the 70s artist, Badfinger.

 

Despite having performed songs from their ever-expanding 750-song playlist for the past 55 years, Steve & Steve continue to be energized by those harmony-driven 60s songs. A typical Steve & Steve performance will treat the crowd to tunes by Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Peter & Gordon, Cat Stevens, The Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Crosby Stills & Nash and, of course, The Beatles and The Everly Brothers. At every show, Steve & Steve delight in performing songs that formed the soundtrack to their lives, and in seeing just how much those same songs, 50+ years later, still resonate with their audiences.

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