#346 Patient Experiences with Sickle Cell Experimental Treatments: The Triumphs & Trials

We’re kicking off Season 2 of #ThroughTheGenes with a powerful and personal episode in honor of World Sickle Cell Day, which was commemorated yesterday on June 19th.

This podcast isn’t just about science, it’s about storytelling through the lens of lived experience. Hosted by three uniquely different women who have experience with transformative therapies for sickle cell disease, this season celebrates the sisterhood they’ve built through vulnerability, advocacy, and the desire to push the conversation forward.

If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember Episodes #288 and #289 of DNA Today, where our host Kira Dineen sat down with Victoria Gray, the first person treated with CRISPR for her Sickle Cell Disease symptoms. Her story is one of remarkable resilience and groundbreaking science.

Then on Episode #305, she also spoke with the original co-hosts of #ThroughTheGenes, Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks, two powerful patient advocates whose insight, honesty, and unwavering commitment have helped shape how we understand cell and gene-based therapies for sickle cell today.

This Season 2 opener sets the tone for what’s ahead. It’s a raw and reflective conversation that unpacks the triumphs and trials of transformative care, while shining a light on the emotional weight of medical decision-making. Through three distinct journeys, we find one undeniable truth: the power of shared experience can create bonds that feel like family, and fuel advocacy that moves scientific storytelling forward.

We’re also thrilled to share that #ThroughTheGenes is part of our new science podcast network: Gene Pool Media! We're building a home for engaging, credible, and diverse science storytelling. Check out our growing lineup of shows: DNA Dialogues

Demystifying Genetics

RealPharma

Beyond The Thesis with Papa PhD

It Happened To Me

All Access DNA

PhenoTips Speaker Series

...and two brand-new shows launching later this year!

If you host a science podcast and want to be part of a collaborative network that amplifies your voice, go to GenePoolMedia.com and click the “Apply” tab, or just shoot me an email at kira@genepoolmedia.com. We’d love to chat with you about what we’re building.

In this season 2 premiere of #ThroughTheGenes, 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 the resilience of sickle cell warriors and the impact of their experiences on their identities. The episode concludes with a light-hearted quickfire round, reinforcing the bond among the speakers and their commitment to patient advocacy.

Takeaways

• Conversation kicks off with an authentic conversation about cell and gene-based therapies.
• Dima shares her journey with sickle cell and the challenges faced during her treatment.
• Christelle discusses her motivations for exploring gene therapy and the impact on her life.
• The importance of mental health and self-care is emphasized throughout the conversation.
• Each speaker shares their unique experiences with transformative therapies, highlighting both triumphs and trials.
• The discussion reveals the emotional and physical challenges faced during treatment processes.
• The concept of freedom is explored as a central theme in navigating life with sickle cell disease.
• The speakers reflect on their identities as sickle cell warriors and the ongoing journey of living with the condition.
• The conversation addresses misconceptions about gene therapy and the realities of patient experiences.
• The podcast concludes with a light-hearted quickfire round, reinforcing the bond among the speakers.

Subscribe to #ThroughTheGenes on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. Next episode of season 2 drops on July 3rd, 2025.

Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.

While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”

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DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.

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