Frequently Asked Questions
What is Know Your Genotype?
Know Your Genotype is a not-for-profit campaign that seeks to gradually efface Sickle Cell Disease through awareness creation and screening. Sickle Cell Disease is in existence because a genetic mutation is being passed down to new generations. We believe that Sickle Cell Disease can gradually disappear if the transfer of the mutation is controlled. People can only control their tendency to transfer the mutation to their offspring if they know that they carry the mutation. We offer free and subsidized screening for the mutation and counsel people on making genetically responsible partner choices in order to reduce the probability of passing down the mutated genes to their offspring.
Know Your Genotype began in 2018 in Accra, when our founder, Belinda Larweh, decided to see how far she will reach in trying to wipe the mutated genes from the Ghanaian genome and has since been steadily growing.
You can read more about Know Your Genotype's mission and vision.
Will Know Your Genotype come speak at my school / concert / event / church?
KYG is always open to the possibility of speaking at your event. This is in fact what we are here for. Though we may not be able to accommodate every speaking request we receive, we do our best to attend as many as possible. Reach out to us formally at bookings@knowyourgenotype.org with important details, such as date, location, number of attendees, and information about your event. We hope to see you on the road soon.
If you are hosting a benefit event to raise funds for Know Your Genotype and would like a KYG representative to attend, please email benefits@knowyourgenotype.org
Can I use the “Know Your Genotype” name and brand image for my benefit event or fundraiser?
In order for you to use the official Know Your Genotype brand identity, you must make your event an official Know Your Genotype benefit. Please email benefits@knowyourgenotype.org to begin the application process. Include in your email event details such as the date, place, and what the event fundraiser will look like. Our staff member will provide guidelines during the application process about using our name and logo.
Outside of Know Your Genotype-approved events and materials, the Know Your Genotype name, logos, and slogans cannot be used, as they are trademarked by the organization.
When is Know Your Genotype coming somewhere near me?
Members of our team travel to speaking events, tours, festivals, and more. Be sure to regularly check our calendar and follow us on Facebook and Twitter, as we are adding new events all the time.
Where does our money go?
Know Your Genotype uses the proceeds from merch sales and donations to carry out the mission of the organization. This translates to bringing a conversation about Sickling Genotypes to millions of people online and thousands of people at in-person at events and screening thousands for the presence of Haemoglobin S or C.
We are also fortunate to be able to invest a portion directly into treatment and recovery for people living with Sickle Cell Disease. For a complete breakdown of how funds are used, check out our financial reports.
Can a medical laboratory partner with you to screen people?
Absolutely! our arms are open to medical laboratories who wish to give back to society by partnering with us to screen people for free. Reach out to us at partnerships@knowyourgenotype.org, lets plan something.
Do you accept any other forms of donations aside monetary gifts?
If you share our vision and are unable to support us financially you can still donate your talent, your skills, and your voice by assisting us as a volunteer. You can also donate blood at our next blood donation exercise to help a person living with a severe form of Sickle Cell Disease.
How can I get involved?
Thanks for your interest in supporting Know Your Genotype! There are a number of ways to get involved. We encourage you to check out our How You Can Help page to get started. From there you can help us start a conversation, find ways to bring Know Your Genotype to your community, fundraise, and join us in national campaigns by way of expanding the army against Sickle Cell Disease. Other simple ways to support our cause include sending donations or representing us by wearing Know Your Genotype merchandise.
Can I make my own merchandise with the Know Your Genotype logo and use all the proceeds to benefit the cause?
The Know Your Genotype brand identity (name, logo, slogan) cannot be used outside of official Know Your Genotype purposes, as they are trademarked by the organization. However, if you’d like to sell merchandise you have designed with our brand identity and donate the returns to champion the cause, you would have to first reach out to us about your intention by sending an email to franchising@knowyourgenotype.org. Afterwards, we would have to assess your designs. Should your designs be approved, we would request to see a physical sample of all merchandise you intend to vend and proof that the production process of the merchandise will not involve exploitation of persons. When you're through these steps you can then start producing and selling your merchandise.
I have a question about my merchandise order. Who can I talk to about that?
Please email your questions and/or order information to sales@knowyourgenotype.org.
Why is merchandise important for Know Your Genotype as a non-profit?
Our brand name "Know Your Genotype" in itself is a call to action. Getting as many people as possible to wear our brand is synonymous to raising the awareness. By selling our merchandise online, we go into many homes and communities without organizing an event. The proceeds from our merchandise sales go to pay for Hb Electrophoresis for the many Ghanaians who cannot afford to take the test, and to support Sickle Cell patients with their medical expenses. While we do receive additional revenue from programs, donations, and speaking honorariums, merchandising remains a double edged sword, funding screening exercises and starting conversations about Sickle Cell Disease.
To see the shirts, caps, and other merchandise KYG currently has available, head over to our Online Store.
How do I interview someone from Know Your Genotype?
If you are a member of the press, please contact us on support@knowyourgenotype.org.
Can I write for Know Your Genotypes’s blog?
Know Your Genotype loves to feature the diverse voices of people who want to share their experiences and journeys with Sickle Cell Disease. You can send your 500 to 800-word draft (no PDFs) to blog@knowyourgenotype.org. Wondering what works for our blog? Check out our latest features here.