Genetics plays a key role in determining health, longevity and whether or not you develop certain illnesses.  However, knowing all the genes in the human genome has not brought us any closer to a comprehensive understanding of that role.  Instead, knowing the “parts list” of the genome leaves us with many questions about how we inherit more than just our genes, and how
these other factors work alongside the genetic code to determine health across the lifespan.  A discussion of this layer “above the genome”, termed epigenetics, will mainly focus on how certain environmental factors can alter DNA to influence health of current and future generations.
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Dr. Holly Jones Taggart, after earning her PhD degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Western Ontario in London, spent three years in a postdoctoral research position at the Ontario Cancer Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. It was there that her research began to focus on cancer cell behaviour.

Earlier this year, Peter Lauricella presented "The History of Chocolate".  Today he presents the dark side.   The child labour laws in The Ivory Coast, where much of the chocolate is harvested, are very weak.  Unscrupulous owners of cocoa
bean plantations take advantage of young teens and force them into a type of slavery, that is far beyond cruel.  Learn more about how children are abused in the chocolate industry and what you can do about it on May 20th.

Peter Lauricella was born in Boston, MA and spent almost all of his life in suburban Boston.  He has been married to Marilyn for almost 44 years, and together they immigrated to Canada and settled in Port Perry so that they could be loving, everyday grand parents.  Peter and Marilyn have a daughter living in Port Perry and a son in New Orleans.  Peter has become an active
member of the Sunday Services Committee and is no stranger to our pulpit.

Sharon will be giving an overview of what the Canadian Cancer Society is and what role her unit plays in Durham Region, and what her greatest challenges are.  Other possible questions that might be touched upon:
•        How has the Cancer Society improved the lives of Cancer victims and their families?
•        How does the “Cancer journey” change people.
Sharon Alipanopoulos has been a member of the Canadian Cancer Society for five years and has a Certificate in Volunteer Management from Sir Flemming College.  Sharon has interests in Education, Health, Human Rights and Poverty Alleviation and in addition to working at the Canadian Cancer Society, she also supports The Salvation Army.
A special wish to all mothers on this MOTHER’S DAY.  Have a Great Day!