As a child of divorce I had questions. Separated by an ocean and missing for 20 years my father has always been a “thing” rather than a person. Even when he found me via Facebook there was no real reason for us to talk other than pleasantries. I had a dad…he raised me, fed me and listened to me cry many times.

It wasn’t until my father died last year that I started to really think about what else died with him. His family medical history was gone as well. With no intention of searching deeper into that side of the family I felt a little bit lost.

My mothers side of the family is fairly healthy. My grandfather just died this year at 72 (I think) and he is the first one to die that I know. My father’s side was riddled with death and I may or may not have panicked a bit.

23andMe

This July I was lucky enough to go to an event that showcased a wonderful company called 23andMe. 23andMe is a exactly what I needed and more. 23andMe is a simple DNA test that gives you access to over 40 inherited conditions, 10+ reports on drug responses, 10+ reports on genetic risk factors, and 40+ reports on traits. Also, you can opt in to the online community that has their DNA with 23andMe and be constantly introduced to relatives.

The moment I got home I opened up the kit and did a quick and easy saliva sample, registered my kit and packed it all back up in the prepaid packaging. My mailman picked it up the next day (I have a great mailman) and then I waited patiently for my results. To be completely honest I was totally impatient and checked daily even though I knew I would receive email confirmation every time a step had been completed.

Thankfully the results come in within a reasonable time period (I think it was 4 weeks) and they come in in segments so you are not overwhelmed. One of the first things that came in that was great to see was my ancestry composition. No surprise there although I did call my mom and ask if she gave me the 0.4 % of Jewish genes I got.

So this is what I really wanted to know. If I had the Alzheimer’s gene, the Parkinson’s gene and most importantly the Inherited Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome Gene. Before receiving these results the site triple checks that you want them. These results could mentally cripple someone if they were carriers and I am so happy I am not.

I got my answers and I feel better going forward right now. 23andme is a perfect holiday gift for those who are curious to know more about themselves and for the people who have everything. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. I get monthly emails with DNA relatives who are now in my network.

23andMe DNA kit can be purchased through their website for $199 and free shipping currently. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Do you know someone who would benefit or enjoy a gift like 23andMe?

Disclosure: I received this product at the event I went to for free. It is something I truly believe is an amazing product and service.

Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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