November 9th is Genetic Counselor Awareness Day. : Living with "Rare"

 Living with "Rare"

A blog devoted to navigating and analyzing life with 
Rare and Complex Disorders.



November 9th is Genetic Counselor Awareness Day.

by RNE submissions on 11/09/17

by
Mary-Frances Garber, MS, CGC
Licensed Genetic Counselor  

www.listeningreflectinghealing.com

Genetic Counselors are partners in your genetic health care.  For those of you living with rare conditions, or curious about your genetic family history, you can reach out to find a genetic counselor at  http://www.aboutgeneticcounselors.com/

Genetic Counselors are trained in the field of genetic medicine, while at the same time focusing on your emotional wellbeing.  Genetic counselors are equipped to help you understand the genetics of the condition in your family, while traveling with you on the emotional journey.

Comments (0)


Leave a comment


A lifelong Connecticut resident, Joanna Mechlinski is a former newspaper reporter who now works in education. She was diagnosed with lupus, fibromyalgia and polymyositis in her early twenties. In addition to helping spread rare and chronic illness awareness, Joanna is also passionate about animal advocacy, reading, writing, and road trips.

 Mary-Frances Garber is a licensed genetic counselor, providing supportive counseling for families in search of a diagnosis, a listening ear for those receiving a new diagnosis and decision-making counseling for individuals or couples facing choices regarding having another child . She also is available for bereavement counseling. Patients are seen in a private office setting in Needham, Massachusetts.
Listening, Reflecting, HealingSupportive Genetic Counseling 
Find more info here.
Meet our blog writers!
Jenna Anne
  I write to you as a wife and mother of 4 children. Three daughters and a medically complex son. I live in New England and have a love of fiber arts, music, and most importantly advocating for my children. My background is in Early Childhood Education and Music Education, I have no medical background aside from what I have had to learn on this medical journey. My writing is not statistic based, it’s not guidelines or resources but rather I bring a perspective from the human experience. Often in this world of medical complexity we focus specifically on the patient and the diagnosis and treatments, my writings offer the community a different perspective on how the day to day events are affected by medical interventions. The impact it has on siblings and family. The perseverance it takes to keep a wholesome family continuously adapting and thriving amidst all the challenges of medical complexity. My writings are often raw and unapologetic and speak to the human experience behind the policy, coding and diagnostics of modern medicine.  

Learn, relate to and enjoy stories from our bloggers who all have been touched by rare and complex diseases personally and professionally!!