How Tracing One Family Tree Has Saved Over 150 Lives 

The SADS Foundation all began because of one family and one committed doctor. The Christensen family, and the diagnosis of a set of triplets after two suffered sudden cardiac arrest led Dr. G. Michael Vincent to research and analyze LQTS. He discovered it has genetic causes and, with the cooperation and dedication of the mother of the triplets, Merle Christensen, the family line was traced for generations. This resulted ultimately in the diagnosis and treatment of over 150 family members in the Christensen line who have LQTS. Over 2,000 family members were evaluated; making it the most comprehensive family pedigree ever done on a family with LQTS. Out of this family history 12 family members were determined to have died from LQTS. However once a family member was found, screened and treated, (out of those who complied with prescribed medication) none had a sudden death.

Tracing your family medical history is a critical step once you have been diagnosed and treated for a SADS condition. In honor of Merle and Women's History Month, we are offering a free Family History Kit with a Pedigree Tree to trace your history. Click here to learn more, or contact Anne Maurer at 1-800-STOP-SAD.   

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Anniversary Greetings Continue!   

This month the SADS 20th Anniversary Video is from Dr. Susan Etheridge who now sees the same patients who saw Dr. Vincent when he discovered LQTS was being carried in the Christensen line. Click here to check out the video and see what else has been going on for our 20th anniversary!!  

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Join SADS Volunteers in Long Island, NY

SADS Foundation volunteer, Bob Timm, has reserved a table for SADS at the upcoming South Huntington Union Free School District's annual Health Fair on Thursday March 29th.  If you're in the area and can join Bob, please contact Adrienne Butterwick or call 800-STOP-SAD.