Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By San Francisco Bay View (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Can gene therapy cure sickle cell anemia?

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


In the 60 Minutes show on sickle cell, Dr. John Tisdale talks with Jenelle Stephenson, 27, one of only nine people testing gene therapy for sickle cell anemia. She describes the pain of sickle cell as sharp, stabbing, almost bone-crushing and laments the times she’s been accused of faking pain to get drugs. “I’m in so much pain, and you think I just want some morphine. And it just makes me sad that some people in the medical community just don’t get it.” – Photo: CBS

by Cousin Mack, aka Professor Willie C. Thompson

The CBS news program 60 Minutes aired March 10, 2019, raised the question: Could gene therapy cure sickle cell anemia? The program was informative, fascinating, inspiring and hopeful.

According to the program, sickle cell anemia is a disease that evolved in places like sub-Saharan Africa because it protects people from Malaria. There are millions of cases in the world and 100,000 in the United States of America. Most are African-American. The conclusion of the program is that a cure for sickle cell anemia may be at hand. You can watch the program on your computer or cell phone. I hope you will watch it.

There is one case of sickle cell anemia in our extended family, the Williams-Hudson family of Harris County, Georgia. I think it is worth noting that our family includes a stem cell researcher, Vance Holt IV, Ph.D., who works in the Washington, D.C., area. He is the great grandson of Aunt Mattie Adams, 1898-1925. Mattie was the 11th child of Isaac and Georgiann. She died of the “eating cancer.” The search for a cure for sickle cell anemia also involves stem cell research.

The case in our family is from the Annie Williams family line. Aunt Annie is the 10th child of Isaac and Georgiann. I spoke with the mother yesterday who said that her daughter had gone to the doctor for treatment for her pain. She has two children.

A student in my Anthropology class at City College of San Francisco had the disease. One day she had an attack and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. I watched her from the front of the classroom with the students as she nearly doubled up in “bone-crushing pain.”

That was around 30 years ago, but the image of a person with sickle cell anemia in pain is etched in my heart and brain forever. I now feel hopeful.

National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins, featured in the 60 Minutes program said: “ I believe that this looks like a cure. I gotta be careful. But from every angle that I know how to size this up, this looks like a cure.”

Cousin Mack (Professor Willie C. Thompson) is professor emeritus of sociology, City College of San Francisco. Email him at ukwe75@hotmail.com.


Source: https://sfbayview.com/2019/05/can-gene-therapy-cure-sickle-cell-anemia/


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.