When I was 20 weeks pregnant, my doctor recommended an amniocentesis so we could find out what was causing concerns during my pregnancy. They took amniotic fluid for testing, and that's when my husband and I learned our daughter had a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi anemia (FA). We found out that we were both carriers, something we had never known.
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Alexander LaVake
Research Program Manager | MPH
Alexander was drawn to the public health field as a way to promote health and wellbeing within a framework of equity and social justice. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Temple University and his Master’s in Public Health from Portland State University. He most recently implemented grant-funded food access and health education programs for at-risk and homeless youth. In his role as Research Program Manager, he works to advance FARF’s research priorities, including managing the grant award process and assisting with scientific initiatives. Alexander is thrilled to join the passionate FARF team and bring to this new role his drive to advance the organization’s mission.
Last year he relocated to peaceful Eugene after a decade in Portland. Alexander is an enthusiastic photographer. He also enjoys reading, travel, and cooking. He spends his free time loving on Oregon’s abundance of farms, forests, and food.
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The Family Retreat offers families a break from appointments, treatment decisions and everyday responsibilities. Children can try new activities and grow in confidence while caregivers learn, share practical support and connect with one another. The relationships formed at camp often continue long after everyone goes home.
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