Increasingly, genealogists are researching their family health patterns, largely by talking to older relatives and through the cause of death listed on their ancestors¡¯ death certificates (although some states are beginning to black this item out). As they do so, more and more stories are emerging of how lives are saved. The cancer is caught in time, a suitable organ or marrow donor is found, and preventative steps are taken to protect other family members.

Chapter 8, ¡°Your Medical Heritage,¡±of Ancestors: A Beginner¡¯s Guide to Family History & Genealogy explores this fascinating subject in greater depth, as do these books and ¡°More than Names on a Chart,¡± ¡°Revitalizing the Family Tree,¡± and ¡°Perfect Timing¡± in In Search of Our Ancestors. Here are a few additional web sites you might want to explore: