Do You Know Peas About Deoxyribonucleic Acid?

 

Genomic science is incredibly complex. But there’s one simple fact that’s not shared often enough: our DNA connects us to every other living thing on this planet.

I was going to wait until DNA Day (April 25th) to release this fun (and free) little introduction to deoxyribonucleic acid and genomic science. However, some educators, certified genetic counselors, and friends convinced me to make it available ahead of the day so it could be incorporated into lessons plans, events, etc. So here it is. Download it, print it, and color it. And please be sure to share the link with anyone who you think might benefit from learning a little more about the tiny thin thread that connects us all.

To download the PDF of the book, go to www.genetionary.org/DNA

It’s for ages 8 to adults. Adults? Yes, because, sadly, I have encountered too many grown-ups in my hereditary cancer advocacy who are genomically clueless.

Right to Read Day 2025

 

This week is National Library Week. And today is Right To Read Day with the theme Drawn To Freedom. I created this artwork as a multi-published book illustrator. It was drawn to express my support for librarians (I was a library substitute for all the schools in one school district for a while, BTW), libraries, and the freedoms they provide and protect.

I appreciate being invited to participate by Unite Against Book Bans and as a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 

van Gogh's 172nd Birthday

  

Today is Vincent van Gogh’s 172nd birthday. Seems everybody loves van Gogh, but few can pronounce his Dutch name correctly. And even fewer know that nobody really cared about him or his work when he was alive. The poor man died heartbroken and impoverished. You can count on a couple fingers the number of paintings he sold in his life. It wasn’t until his late brother’s widow started actively promoting Vincent’s work years after Vincent’s death that anyone took notice. 

Your Family Mountain

 

Family tree? Think again. And your heritage is likely far more diverse that you imagine. March 8th is Genealogy Day, so here’s a little math exercise for you ahead of the day.

After doing the math, think of all the cousins you have. (I just might be a distant cousin.)
 
I know that I have millions and millions of distant genetic cousins because of my DNA markers and all the genealogical research others have done on some my more notable ancestors. (Especially some ancestors who were clueless seasick sectarian passengers on a crappy off-course cargo ship in 1620.) Then add in my Native American ancestors who had lived in the “New World” for thousands of years, plus all my other ancestors from Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Scandinavia, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and Brazil. And then there are my Neanderthal ancestors to count.
 
What’s your genetic heritage? And did you know that genealogy can help in preventing hereditary cancer?

For World Cancer Day and National Cancer Prevention Month

Knowledge is power. Nobody should die of a preventable cancer. Nobody!

Download a free Family Health/Cancer History Pedigree at www.genetionary.org

Knowing and sharing your family's health history with your health care providers and your family (children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first and second cousins) can be life-saving.

Do You Know Peas about Genes, Genetic Mutations, and Hereditary Cancer?

  

Knowledge is truly power when comes to preventing hereditary cancer. So, I have a created a hereditary cancer prevention resource with a little assistance from a certified genetic counselor and educator. It is professionally designed and printed, and I will try to make it available for free to as many people as possible.

More about the resource book here.

See Your DNA