Inside Duke Medicine
Knights of Columbus donate to Fragile X
posted October 1st, 2008
Twenty years ago, the N.C. Knights of Columbus’ Lamb Foundation of NC Inc., began a relationship with the Duke Fragile X Clinic. Families suspected of carrying the Fragile X gene, which causes hereditary mental retardation and autism, often did not have insurance to cover genetic testing. This limited the clinic’s ability to provide adequate genetic counseling.
The Lamb Foundation, which raises public awareness and support through the sale of humble Tootsie Roll candies, began making contributions to the clinic to help families pay for the tests. Since then, the donation has also been used to help cover the costs of child development supplies for the children and an annual parent workshop to educate the families about Fragile X syndrome.
The K of C made a presentation to the Fragile X Clinic last month.
Pictured are George Scott and John Gouldie of the N.C. Knights of Columbus, left; and Allyn McConkie-Rosell, Ph.D.; Ave Lachiewicz, M.D.; Gail Spiridigliozzi, Ph.D., and Debbie Burgess of the Duke Fragile X Clinic.
Photo by Mark Schreiner.