The Sickle Cell Oregon Globe Newsletter 09-25
Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – September 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe! This month brings exciting news for the sickle cell community in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, including a major breakthrough in bone marrow transplant treatment, new pregnancy guidelines from the WHO, and important fall health tips.
In This Month’s Newsletter:
Major Breakthrough: New Bone Marrow Treatment Shows 97% Success Rate
Medical centers across the country, including Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt, have achieved remarkable success with a new bone marrow transplant approach for sickle cell disease. This innovative treatment uses “half-matched” donors such as parents, siblings, or children, making it accessible to virtually everyone. With over 97% success rate in adult patients and costs significantly lower than gene therapy, this breakthrough offers new hope for sickle cell treatment options.
WHO Releases New Pregnancy Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease
The World Health Organization has published important new guidelines to help pregnant women with sickle cell disease have safer pregnancies. These guidelines emphasize the need for specialized prenatal care, including extra folic acid and iron supplements, more frequent check-ups, and careful pain management planning. Women with SCD thinking about pregnancy are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers early.
Upcoming Events & Support
- Sickle Cell Live! Awareness Dinner – Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6-8:30 PM at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Portland
- Monthly Support Group Meeting – Thursday, October 17, 2025, 7:00-8:00 PM (Online via Zoom). Join fellow sickle cell warriors to learn, share stories, and receive support. Register at https://tinyurl.com/scdgroup
Staying Healthy This Fall Season
As temperatures drop in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, people with sickle cell disease need to take extra precautions. This newsletter includes essential tips for managing your health during cooler weather, including staying warm to prevent pain crises, getting your flu shot, maintaining hydration, and keeping up with medications like hydroxyurea.
Quick Pain Management Tips
Learn practical strategies for managing sickle cell pain at home, including heat therapy, gentle exercise, hydration, and breathing techniques. The newsletter also provides guidance on when to contact your doctor if pain worsens.
Important Drug Safety Update
Critical information about Oxbryta (voxelotor) and its removal from the market by Pfizer in September 2024. If you were taking this medication, please consult with your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options.
Read the Full September 2025 Newsletter
Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – September 2025About the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe
The Sickle Cell Oregon Globe is the monthly newsletter of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW. We serve families affected by sickle cell disease throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Hawaii with support groups, educational resources, awareness events, and community connection.
Contact Us:
Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW
4566 N. East 87th Ave
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: 503-249-1366
Email: info@sicklecelloregon.org
Website: www.sicklecelloregon.org
Keywords: sickle cell disease Oregon, SCD treatment breakthrough, bone marrow transplant, sickle cell pregnancy, patient support Pacific Northwest, sickle cell awareness Portland, SCD pain management, hydroxyurea treatment
