#ThroughTheGenes
#ThroughTheGenes is a patient-led podcast that explores the risks, benefits, and limitations of cell and gene-based therapies for sickle cell disease. Hosted by the sickle sisters - Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon, with special guest, Dima Hendricks -the show offers firsthand accounts from patients, caregivers, and providers who have witnessed the effects of transformative therapies. Supported by Beam Therapeutics, Synthego,, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Kamau Therapeutics, Season 2 of the show dives deeper into ethical considerations, long-term impacts, and clinical insights—empowering patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about emerging treatment options.
Episodes
In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, hosts Wunmi Bakare, Christelle Salomon, and Dima Hendricks, engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Sharl Azar, Medical Director at Massachusetts General Hospital, about the racial disparities in sickle cell disease treatment and advocacy.
The discussion delves into the historical context of race in medicine, the challenges faced by sickle cell warriors, and the systemic barriers in healthca...
In this episode of the Through the Genes podcast, hosts Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Solomon explore the complexities of sickle cell disease and the transformative role of stem cell donation.
They engage with Dr. Akshay Sharma, a pediatric bone marrow transplant physician, who provides insights into the donor's perspective, the HLA screening process, and the various methods of stem cell collection. The conversation also touches on t...
In this episode of the #ThroughTheGenes podcast, hosts Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon engage in a heartfelt conversation with Maite Rodriguez about her daughter Alessia's journey with sickle cell disease and the transformative therapies they pursued.
The discussion covers the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, the decision to have another child as a potential donor, and the complexities of preparing for a bone ...
To conclude our discussion on the topic "What Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy", our hosts - Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon - sat down with Dr. Elizabeth Krieger, who is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist specializing in bone marrow transplant and cellular therapies. Discover why chemotherapy is carried out for these therapies, the side effects of chemotherapy, and why some protocols require radiation and others do not.
In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, we delve into the transformative role of fetal hemoglobin in treating sickle cell disease. Join hosts - Wunmi Bakare and Christelle Salomon - as they explore groundbreaking gene therapy advancements with Dr. Matt Porteous, Co-founder of Kamau Therapeutics. Discover how genome editing techniques are being used to reactivate fetal hemoglobin, offering new hope for patients by reducing the severity...
In this episode of Through the Genes, we had Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Dr. Mark Walters with us. The hosts discussed the topic, The Journey to Transformative Therapy - Maintaining Eligibility.This is an episode for anyone who is interested in how a sickle cell patient maintain their health so they are a perfect candidate for cell and gene based therapies, so, if this is you, then this is the episode for you.If you enjoyed ...
In this episode of Through the Genes, hosts Wunmi Bakare, Dima Hendricks, and Christelle
Salomon engage in a heartfelt discussion about their personal journeys with sickle cell disease
and the transformative therapies they have explored. They share their motivations for seeking
experimental treatments, the emotional and physical challenges they faced, and the importance
of mental health and self-care. The conversation highlights th...
In this episode of Through the Genes, host Wunmi Bakare engages with guests Seonni and Vanesha from the Mind the Gap podcast to discuss the complexities of visible and invisible disabilities, personal health journeys, and the importance of advocacy within the South Asian community. The conversation explores their experiences with health diagnoses, the impact of caregiving, and the cultural stigma surrounding health issues, particul...
Through the Genes Podcast | Bonus Episode: Curative Therapies Beyond the Borders
In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, the hosts of the Let's Talk about Sickle Cell Podcast, Jenica Leah and Maya Bloomberg discuss the critical topic of sickle cell disease, focusing on advocacy, treatment options, and the disparities in healthcare systems between the UK and the USA. They share personal stories and insights into the challenges faced ...
In Season 2, we go deeper—confronting ethical dilemmas, highlighting critical clinical insights, and sharing unfiltered patient experiences that matter most to the sickle cell community. This season empowers warriors, caregivers, and providers with knowledge to navigate curative therapies with clarity and confidence. We also introduce our newest sickle sister, Christelle Salomon,
🧬 Featured Experts & Guests:
Dr. Mark Walte...
In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, we are joined by Kira Dineen, host of the award-winning podcast, DNA Today. Kira brings her expertise in genetics to the conversation as we explore the intersection of DNA, gene therapies, and sickle cell disease. Together, we discuss how science is advancing treatment options and how storytelling can amplify the voices of those affected by genetic conditions. Tune in for an engaging conversatio...
In this episode of #ThroughTheGenes, we’re excited to welcome back Dr. Staci Martin as she puts Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into practice. Dr. Martin provides an in-depth exploration of mental health challenges specific to individuals with sickle cell disease, especially those undergoing curative therapy.
Dr. Staci Martin joins us for a conversation that explores various aspects of mental health and self-care for individuals with sickle cell disease, particularly those undergoing the curative therapy process. The chapters cover topics such as common mental health issues, preparing for curative therapy, identity crisis and self-discovery, developing mental health tools, support for individuals unable to pursue curative therapy, estab...
This episode concludes part two of the interview with Genesis Jones. She shares her experience with post-transplant complications, specifically hemolytic anemia, and the treatments she has undergone. She discusses the challenges of managing chronic pain and the impact it has on her mental health.
Later in the episode, Wunmi and Dima interview Wynona Coles, the research lab manager at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute...
In this conversation, Dr. Caterina Minniti discusses curative therapies for sickle cell disease, focusing on gene therapy. She explains the process of preparing for gene therapy, including the discontinuation of hydroxyurea and the use of blood transfusions. Dr. Minniti also discusses the ideal patient for gene therapy, the timeline for the preparation process, and the manufacturing process of edited stem cells. She compares and co...
Welcome to episode 3 of #ThroughTheGenes.
Amanda Olaghere shares her experience as the caregiver to her husband, Jimi, who participated in a gene therapy clinical trial for sickle cell disease. Before the trial, their lives were filled with constant hospital visits and emergency room visits due to Jimi's pain crises. The decision to participate in the trial was made after reading an article about another patient's success story (Vi...
Welcome to Episode 2 of #ThroughTheGenes. In this episode, we hear from Jimi Olaghere a patient who successfully undergone a curative therapy.
#ThroughTheGenes provides an in-depth look at the lived experiences of patients who have participated in the curative process, sharing their highs, lows, and everything in between. This series is designed for patients, caregivers, community-based organizations, researchers, and educator...
Welcome to Episode 1 of #ThroughTheGenes, a show that highlights the risks, benefits, and limitations of cell and gene-based therapies as a curative option for sickle cell disease. In this inaugural episode, we delve into the history of sickle cell research with esteemed guests Vence Bonham Jr., JD, and Dr. Matthew Hsieh. #ThroughTheGenes provides an in-depth look at the lived experiences of patients who have participated in the c...
Premiering June 19, 2024 (World Sickle Cell Day), the #ThroughTheGenes is an informative podcast series highlighting the risks, benefits, and limitations of gene-based therapies as a curative option for sickle cell disease. The show is hosted by sickle sisters, Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks, taking you behind the lived experience of patients who participated in the curative process; revealing their high, lows and everything in be...
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