Ep 54: Genetic testing, breaking down stigma, and supporting people with Familial ALS with Daniel Barvin

In this episode of the Genetics Podcast we’re joined by Daniel Barvin, an ALS advocate whose family is affected by Familial ALS.

Daniel has a genetic variant in the gene called C9orf72 that predisposes him to develop this neurodegenerative disease, and he talks about his experience getting genetic testing and decision with his wife to undergo IVF and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to ensure that their child did not inherit the genetic variant. Daniel joins Patrick to discuss the lack of availability of genetic testing in ALS, how to make genetic testing more accessible, breaking down stigmas in hereditary disease, and his work with the non-profit 'I AM ALS’.

Patrick also mentions the upcoming Festival Genomics with over 100 great speakers. You can find out more here: https://www.festivalofgenomics.com/