#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

Sep 18, 2025

53 min

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 healthcare.
Dr. Azar shares insights on the importance of advocacy, the role of healthcare providers, and the future of gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
We hope you enjoy this conversation, leave a comment below to share your thoughts and ask your questions about gene and cell based therapies and treatment for sickle cell disease.
#sicklecelldisease #racialdisparities #healthcareadvocacy #genetherapy, #systemicbias #sicklecellawarenessmonth

Sep 18, 2025

53 min

Sep 4, 2025

57 min

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 the emotional and physical challenges faced by donors, the importance of blood group compatibility, and the need for diverse donor registries.
Personal reflections from Dapo Bakare, Wunmi's brother and donor, highlight the family bonds and support systems that play a crucial role in the transplant journey.
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider joining donor registries and participating in clinical research to help advance treatments for sickle cell disease.
#ThroughTheGenes #TTGS2 #TTGPodcast #GeneTherapy #TTGxBeam #TTGxSynthego #TTGxUCSF #TTGxSCP #SickleCellDisease #TransformativeTherapiesForSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellEducation

Sep 4, 2025

57 min

Aug 21, 2025

53 min

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 marrow transplant.
Maite shares her family's experiences, the support they received, and their hopes for Alessia's future post-transplant, emphasizing the importance of community and open communication throughout their journey.
Don't forget to subscribe and share with someone that needs to hear it. 

Aug 21, 2025

53 min

Jul 31, 2025

48 min

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.
#ThroughTheGenes #TTGS2 #TTGPodcast #GeneTherapy #TTGxBeam #TTGxSynthego #TTGxUCSF #TTGxSCP #SickleCellDisease #TransformativeTherapiesForSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellEducation

Jul 31, 2025

48 min

Jul 18, 2025

38 min

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 of sickle cell symptoms. We explore the FDA-approved therapies, Lyfgenia and Casgevy, and discuss the transformative potential these treatments hold. Discover the science behind these therapies, the journey from concept to approval, and the impact on patients' lives. Tune in to learn how gene therapy is reshaping the future for those living with sickle cell disease.
#throughthegenes #sicklecell #genetherapy #patientadvocacy #sicklecellwarriors #patientexperience #healthpodcast #transformativetherapy #healthcare #experimentaltherapies #geneticdisorder

Jul 18, 2025

38 min

Jul 3, 2025

42 min

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 this episode, go ahead to like and share with someone and if you haven't subscribed, you should do that now.#GeneTherapy #TTGxBeam #TTGxSynthego #TTGxUCSF #TTGxSCP #SickleCellDisease #TransformativeTherapiesForSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCellEducation

Jul 3, 2025

42 min

Jun 19, 2025

48 min

In this episode of Through the Genes, hosts Wunmi Bakare, Dima Hendricks, and ChristelleSalomon engage in a heartfelt discussion about their personal journeys with sickle cell diseaseand the transformative therapies they have explored. They share their motivations for seekingexperimental treatments, the emotional and physical challenges they faced, and the importanceof mental health and self-care. The conversation highlights the resilience of sickle cell warriorsand the impact of their experiences on their identities. The episode concludes with alight-hearted quick-fire round, reinforcing the bond among the speakers and their commitment topatient advocacy.

Jun 19, 2025

48 min

Jun 9, 2025

1 hr 8 min

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, particularly sickle cell disease. The guests share insights on the need for greater awareness and education, emphasizing the power of storytelling and personal narratives in fostering understanding and support.KeywordsKeywords:disabilities, health, identity, podcast, advocacy, South Asian community, sickle cell disease, mental health, personal growth, caregiving

Jun 9, 2025

1 hr 8 min

May 22, 2025

40 min

Through the Genes Podcast | Bonus Episode: Curative Therapies Beyond the BordersIn 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 by sickle cell patients, including the high costs of treatment, the importance of mental health support, and the role of community in advocacy. The conversation highlights the need for education and awareness to improve patient outcomes and the power of collaboration among advocates to drive change.#NHGRIxTTP #ThroughTheGenes #GeneTherapyPodcast #ThroughThePain #global #MedicalResearch #SickleCellGeneTherapy #SickleCellDisease #Letstalkaboutsicklecell #SickleCellTreatment #SickleCellResearch #ClinicalTrials #CRISPR #GeneEditing

May 22, 2025

40 min

May 13, 2025

6 min

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 WaltersDr. Matthew PorteusDr. Akshay SharmaDr. Elizabeth KriegerChris LundyOladapo (Daps) BakareDr. Marsha TreadwellSupported by Beam Therapeutics, Synthego Corporation®, and Kamau Therapeutics, this series is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, truth, and transformation in the fight against sickle cell.💥 Mark your calendar – Season 2 premieres June 19. Let’s change the narrative, together.#ThroughTheGenes #SickleCellAwareness #GeneTherapy #PatientVoices #HealthEquity #WorldSickleCellDay

May 13, 2025

6 min

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