Schools and businesses are being urged to don their denim on Jeans for Genes day on 5 August 2011 in the name of children’s health.  

State Member for Cook, Jason O'Brien said there is no better cause to support. “Jeans for Genes day is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in far north Queensland to come together and raise funds of the Australian Children’s Medical Research Institute,” Mr O'Brien said.

“The scientists at the Children’s Medical Research Institute study congenital conditions such as cancer, epilepsy and birth defects.

“The Institute works hard to try to prevent these diseases before they occur in children, or where that is not possible to develop better treatments," Mr O'Brien said.

In 2009 alone 3,073 babies were born in Queensland with at least one congenital anomaly.

Genetic disorders are generally rare but Queensland Health’s Genetic Health Queensland (GHQ) service see up to 3300 Queenslanders each year because of a genetic disorder or a suspected disorder in the family.

“GHQ is a state-wide service that provides genetic services across Queensland to individuals and their families with a suspected or known inherited or genetic health condition,” Mr O'Brien said.

Anyone can take part in the fundraising effort by wearing jeans and making a donation or buying a badge.

To register your school for Jeans for Genes day visit www.jeansforgenes.com.au.