#305 Transformative Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease with “Through The Genes”

On Episodes #288 and #289 of DNA Today, I spoke with Victoria Gray, the first person treated with CRISPR for her Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) symptoms. Since then, I’ve met two amazing patient advocates—Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks—who also have Sickle Cell Disease. They've expanded my understanding of gene therapy and other emerging treatments for SCD, and perfect timing to kick off Sickle Cell Disease Awareness month this September.

In this episode, Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks share their personal journeys with SCD and delve into their experiences exploring curative therapies. They also discuss their new podcast, Through The Genes, launched on World Sickle Cell Day (June 19th, 2024). Their show offers an insightful look into the risks, benefits, and limitations of gene- and cell-based therapies for Sickle Cell Disease.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Wunmi and Dima’s personal experiences living with Sickle Cell Disease and their exploration of curative therapies
• Available curative therapies for Sickle Cell Disease, including stem cell transplants and gene therapy
• The obstacles that prevented Dima from qualifying for gene therapy
• Wunmi’s stem cell transplant experience, including the procedure, recovery process, and symptom changes post-transplant
• The use of the term “cure” in the context of gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease—how it may create misconceptions
• The importance of managing expectations around gene therapy and its long-term effects
• How mental health has played a significant role in their SCD journeys, including the emotional aspects of undergoing transformative therapy
• The crucial role of support systems—family, friends, and healthcare providers—during and after treatment
• Wunmi’s post-stem cell transplant follow-up care and the importance of continuity in care after gene therapy
• The harsh reality of medical racism faced by those living with Sickle Cell Disease, and how Wunmi and Dima navigate and advocate within the healthcare system
• Their hopes for the future of Sickle Cell Disease treatment and advice for others considering gene therapy

Our Guests:

Wunmi Bakare is a multicultural citizen and advocacy trailblazer in the sickle cell and rare disease communities. Fueled by purpose and the pursuit of social inclusion, her advocacy efforts focus on erasing the stigma of sickle cell disease through proactive and reactive engagement with the media.

She sits on the curative therapy advisory board for Beam Therapeutics, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, and Healthful Data and is a patient ambassador for Health Union and AllStripes. She was diagnosed with the most severe type of sickle cell disease (HbSS) at 18 months then participated in a clinical trial at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NIH-NHLBI) where she received an allogeneic stem cell transplant in 2019.

Bakare thrives as the Founder of WBPR Agency working across diverse corporate disciplines and providing strategic media counsel to top brands. In 2020, she launched #SickleCellProdigy, a platform that celebrates the lived experience of sickle cell patients globally.

Dima Hendricks, a resilient sickle cell advocate and co-founder of #ThroughThePain Inc., has dedicated over two decades to championing health awareness. Her journey includes conducting health workshops and contributing to various panel discussions. Collaborating with esteemed organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart and Stroke Association, Dima has extended her impact in the health community.

In addition to her advocacy, Dima has an impressive history in pageantry. She has earned titles such as Miss Black Dorchester USA, Miss Black Massachusetts USA, Mrs. Massachusetts International, and the 2024 International Mrs New England. Her experience in the pageant world spans over ten years, during which she has taken on roles as a director, coach, and judge.

Dima's inspiring story of overcoming obstacles is captured in her book "Unleashing Royalty," where readers can discover her journey to triumph.

During the episode we also mentioned #BoldLipsForSickleCell (Now Bold Plus+).

Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks are passionate patient advocates and hosts of Through The Genes, a podcast dedicated to educating and empowering those affected by Sickle Cell Disease. Both Wunmi and Dima use their personal experiences with SCD to raise awareness and spark change within the medical community, focusing particularly on the potential of gene therapies. Stay tuned for part two of our conversation, where I’ll be a guest on their show, Through The Genes, to continue this important dialogue! You can listen by searching “Through The Genes” in your podcast app or on their website ThroughTheGenes.com and follow the show on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. You can personally follow Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks as well. Not only is it an audio podcast, but like us, they also produce it as a video podcast and you can watch all episodes here.

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