#throughthegenes by #ThroughTheGenes

Last Updated: June 15, 2026
#ThroughTheGenes is an informative podcast highlighting the risks, benefits, and limitations of gene- and cell-based therapies as curative options for sickle cell disease. The show is hosted by sickle sisters Wunmi Bakare and Dima Hendricks. It takes you behind the lived experience of patients who participated in the curative process, revealing their highs, lows, and everything in between.This collaborative effort aims to help patients and their support networks navigate emerging developments in gene therapies for sickle cell disease.
S2EP6: The Impact of Race on Sickle Cell Disease
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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.

S2EP5: The Role of Donors In Transplants
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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.

S2EP4: Support Systems in the Transformative Process With Maite Rodriguez
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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.

What Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy? Part 2
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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.

S2EP3 : What Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy?
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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.

What Happens To The Body In Gene Therapy? Part 1
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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.

The Journey To Transformative Therapy - Maintaining Eligibility
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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

Patient Experiences with Experimental Treatments - The Triumphs & Trials
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In this episode of Through the Genes, hosts Wunmi Bakare, Dima Hendricks, and Christelle

Bonus Episode: Visible & Invisible Disabilities and How They Impact Us
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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.

Bonus Episode: Curative Therapies Beyond the Borders
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Through the Genes Podcast | Bonus Episode: Curative Therapies Beyond the Borders

#ThroughTheGenes – Season 2 Trailer
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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,

Episode 8 - Bridging Science and Stories: Kira Dineen on DNA and Sickle Cell”
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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 conversation that blends cutting-edge science with powerful personal narratives, shining a light on the future of gene-based therapies for sickle cell warriors.

ACT in Practice
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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.

Episode 6: The Mental Health Perspective w/ Staci Martin
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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, establishing healthy boundaries, challenges of identity crisis and survivor's guilt, qualifications for a therapist, self-help resources, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The conversation emphasizes the importance of psychological flexibility and finding support in one's tribe. In this conversation, Staci and Dima discuss the power of thoughts and beliefs in shaping our lives. They explore the concept of limiting beliefs and how they can hold us back from reaching our full potential. They also discuss strategies for identifying and challenging these beliefs, as well as creating empowering beliefs that support our goals and aspirations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking action and aligning our thoughts with our values.

Episode 5: The Clinical Perspective w/Genesis Jones and Wynona Coles
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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.

Episode 4: Transplant vs. Gene Therapy w/Caterina Minniti and Genesis Jones
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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 contrasts gene therapy with stem cell transplantation and bone marrow transplantation, highlighting the potential complications and ongoing research in the field.

Episode 3: The Caregiver Perspective w/ Amanda Olaghere
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Welcome to episode 3 of #ThroughTheGenes.

Episode 2: The Patient Perspective w/ Jimi Olaghere
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Welcome to Episode 2 of ⁠#ThroughTheGenes⁠. In this episode, we hear from Jimi Olaghere a patient who successfully undergone a curative therapy.

Episode 1: History of Sickle Cell Research w/ Vence Bonham Jr., JD, & Dr. Matthew Hsieh
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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 curative process, sharing their highs, lows, and everything in between. This series is designed for patients, caregivers, community-based organizations, researchers, and educators, aiming to help patients and their support networks navigate emerging developments in gene therapies for sickle cell disease. In this episode, you will learn: -The historical milestones in sickle cell research

#ThroughTheGenes Official Teaser
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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 between.

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