The Greenwood Genetic Center presents the SC Birth Defects Foundation

We stand at a pivotal moment in medical history. Genetic secrets are unlocked every day. Investments in genetic research pay huge dividends for everyone. In many cases, charitable investment is the key to new advances.

Every family in South Carolina affected by birth defects can turn to the Greenwood Genetic Center for help. Every person in South Carolina who wants to help find treatments and preventions for these disorders can do so by supporting the SC Birth Defects Foundation. As the outreach arm of the Center, the SC Birth Defects Foundation was established as a way to build philanthropic partnerships and as a way for people to give back to and support the critical mission of the Greenwood Genetic Center.

The Foundation stands on two overriding principles:

bullet people affected by these conditions feel the greatest passion for this mission; and
bullet one of the instincts wired into our humanity is the desire to give back.

Simply put, philanthropy is in our DNA

A Success Story

Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in South Carolina, and cost more than $6 billion nationwide.

Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are among the most difficult and debilitating disorders. Research shows that if expectant mothers take a multivitamin containing folic acid every day it greatly reduces the incidence of neural tube defects.

This one case study best illustrates the power of combining the four approaches of diagnostic services, treatment, research and education. A surveillance and prevention program administered by the Center began in 1992. At that time the incidence of neural tube defects was about one in every 500 births; today that rate has fallen to one in every 1,250 births. Last year in South Carolina that translated to 60 healthy babies and savings of $15 million in medical expenses. Programs such as this one prevent birth defects and save lives. Other cures are out there. With your help, we can find them.

Through the SC Birth Defects Foundation, families and supporters finally get a chance to drive the treatment and research of birth defects and related genetic disorders. Donors and volunteers become partners with the Greenwood Genetic Center in the search for a cure, treatment or preventive measure. The Center’s main campus, four satellite offices and clinics throughout the state employ more than 150 people — including 30 doctors and researchers — in the fight against birth defects.

The Center carries out its mission through four main avenues — Diagnostic Services, Treatment, Research, Education — and the Foundation helps fund all of these with targeted gifts of money, time and energy.

Join the Foundation - The goal of the Foundation is to invite everyone who has a connection to the Greenwood Genetic Center to become fully involved in the Center’s mission. The Foundation sponsors a number of educational and volunteer opportunities; we welcome anyone who wants to be involved. Please contact the Foundation office by e-mail — foundation@ggc.org — or phone 866-931-2051.

Double Helix Society - There are many ways to financially support the mission of the Greenwood Genetic Center, from annual giving to estate planning. We invite you to join the Center’s family through membership in the Double Helix Society as a charter member in 2008. With an annual gift of $1,000 or more, you are eligible for membership. The Society is one way of thanking you and keeping you engaged in the mission of the Center.

The Genetics Endowment of South Carolina

Many people support our mission by giving to the Center’s Endowment. The funds in the Endowment are invested and part of the income is transferred each year to help fund the Center’s work. The Endowment remains in place and donors can continue to support it as they always have. Whereas the Foundation raises money on an annual basis for immediate needs, the Endowment provides for the long-term stability of the Center. Contributions to the Endowment can now flow through the Foundation, and should simply be designated for the Endowment.

Working together,

we can - we will - make a difference
The Greenwood Genetic Center is a nonprofit institute, organized to provide clinical genetic services and laboratory testing, to develop educational programs and materials, and to conduct research in the field of medical genetics. To this we pledge our finest efforts, our committed, caring staff and faculty, and the best resources available.

The SC Birth Defects Foundation supports the mission of the Greenwood Genetic Center by inviting and building philanthropic partnerships. As the outreach arm of the Center, all contributions raised by the Foundation support the mission of the Greenwood Genetic Center.

The Greenwood Genetic Center and SC Birth Defects Foundation Foundation are both fully registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

113 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC  29646

(864) 388-1041; toll-free (866) 931-2051; foundation@ggc.org

www.ggc.org