My Confusing, Uncertain Journey After Genetic Testing

(Editor’s note: Mary-Claire Piccart uses a pseudonym to protect the privacy of her health information.) The oversized, boldfaced type and accompanying bar graph, in that shade of pink we associate with breast cancer awareness, blared from the page — bu… Continue reading

Exploring My Family Tree Let Me Find Answers

It was a typical gray and cool October day when we arrived in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. The last time I was there, I was a toddler, visiting my Oma and Opa (grandmother and grandfather) with my parents. I’m 58 now. When my husband Peter said e… Continue reading

In the Blink of an Eye, Childhood Is Over

Shivering under a blanket, knowing the only bathroom nearby was a Porta Potty, armed with extra tissues and plenty of hand sanitizer, I cheered when my daughter’s team made a goal and groaned when they didn’t. I prayed to the soccer gods that my child … Continue reading