TGen News & Press Releases

• Written by Steve Yozwiak /
• Posted Tuesday November 23, 2010

Clothing line makes awareness fashionable through genetic art

In Our Genes donates $5 from each sale to help fund TGen cancer and other research projects

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Nov. 23, 2010 - In Our Genes (IOG), a Phoenix-based clothing line that uses DNA "fingerprints" on clothes, will donate $5 from each sale for research into cancer and other diseases at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

Darrin Grandmason, CEO and founder of In Our Genes - and a former Biology student - got the idea for the clothing line after he created a series of wall hangings based on the DNA of his dog, his friends' dogs and people.

Grandmason said that by using clothing design prints derived from DNA disease markers, patients and others could better understand that diseases often have genetic origins.

"Why don't we put a genetic face on disease? When you look at this print, you know it means breast cancer," said Grandmason, displaying the first of 20 designs his company plans to sell, each displaying the genetic fingerprint of the top diseases that afflict humanity. "People need to know that their genes will play a role in how they fight, and how they win, any health battle."

Michael Bassoff, President of the TGen Foundation, said the novel use of scientific images to decorate In Our Genes clothing will help provide the public a glimpse into the genetic information studied by scientists.

"By supporting this cutting-edge research, In Our Genes will ensure that this important work continues to progress, while promoting awareness and providing hope to patients and families around the world,'' said Bassoff, whose non-profit foundation helps fund TGen, a Phoenix-based, non-profit biomedical research facility.

IOG's shirts are designed for anyone, offering a three-snap neck opening suited for medical care, and a patented "Intent and Declare Panel," a special intent and declare panel located on the inside lower back. Wearers can create an indelible message of hope. A permanent fabric pen, supplied with each shirt, is used to create a message on the inside of the garment, allowing wearers to keep a private message of hope with each garment, what Grandmason describes as "a permanent get-well card."

IOG garments are made from organic cotton and the company works with CarbonFund.org towards a goal of producing a zero carbon footprint.

The clothing will include different colors besides the current white, black and heather. Shirts come inscribed with the themes: Know, Fight or Thrive. Products will cover diseases that affect the bladder, brain, breast, colon, kidney, liver, lung, multiple sclerosis, pancreas, skin, stomach and throat.

Through IOG's "5 for Thrive" program, $5 from the sale of each article of clothing will be donated to TGen for disease research. Grandmason said he decided to donate to TGen because of the variety of conditions they research, including diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and many types of cancer.

While the clothing is designed for patients, anyone might wear it, Grandmason said, adding that he hopes the clothing will stimulate not only an understanding about the role of genetics in disease, but provoke conversations among patients, their doctors and others.

"Ideally, I want this to help facilitate communication among people in times of crisis," Grandmason said.

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About In Our Genes
In Our Genes is a Phoenix-based company that combines science, fashion and compassion with the mission to eradicate disease one piece of clothing at a time. Darrin Grandmason is the founder of In Our Genes and created the concept after taking an advanced microbiology course. Grandmason started the company DNA Artistry, which pioneered genetic imaging and was the first to offer this type of art. More information: www.inourgenes.com.

Press contact:
Darrin Grandmason
Founder and CEO, In Our Genes
602-550-1810
[email protected]

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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.

Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]

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