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Jan 8 2024
FDA Approves Genetic Treatments for Sickle Cell Disease

PORTLAND — The Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon is excited by the news that two types of gene therapy for sickle cell have been approved by the FDA: Casgevy for “gene editing”, and Lyfgenia for “gene addition”.

The SCDAA has called gene therapy “potentially curative“, though, they warn, not everyone may be “eligible for gene therapy.”

Gene therapy involves a complex series of steps, including sampling and treating the patient’s stem cells, a regime of chemotherapy where the abnormal cells are removed, and an infusion of the patient’s own cells treated for sickle cell disease.

Patients who have undergone such treatments can expect acute episodes of the disease to diminish significantly over time as diseased blood cells are naturally replaced by healthy cells.

Candidates for sickle cell gene therapy must be evaluated against the dangerous effects of chemotherapy.

The FDA has approved both Casgevy and Lyfgenia for sickle cell patients ages 12 and up. The treatments are approved for sickle cell phenotypes SS and S-beta-zero.

SCDAA has more information here.

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Dec 22 2023
NEWS ALERT: Quaker Recalls Granola Bars and Granola Cereals Due to Possible Health Risk

CHICAGO, Illinois – December 15, 2023 – The Quaker Oats Company today announced the recall of specific granola bars and granola cereals listed below because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The products listed below are sold throughout the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. Consumers should check their pantries for any of the products listed below and dispose of them. Additionally, consumers with any product noted below can contact Quaker Consumer Relations (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Mon.-Fri.) at 1-800-492-9322 or visit www.quakergranolarecall.com for additional information or product reimbursement.

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Apr 27 2023
Announcement: Pastor Taylor to Receive Unsung Heroine Award!

Pastor Marcia L. Taylor, Executive Director of The Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon, has been chosen by the Allen Temple C.M.E Church to receive the Unsung Heroine Award in recognition of her service for Children and Youth Advocacy!

Pastor Taylor will receive the award during a ceremony and fundraiser luncheon to take place on Saturday April 29, 2023 at 1:30PM at the Allen Temple C.M.E Church, 4236 NE 8th Avenue in Portland, Oregon 97211.

This fundraiser event will help with the continued cost of rebuilding the church after the 2015 fire.

Tickets to the luncheon are $25 per adult, and $12 for children 11 and under.

Tickets should be purchased in advance by either cash app ($Allentemplecme) or by check made out to Allen Temple CME Church with the information: “Unsung Hero” in the memo section. Please contact Rev. Rhonda Smith at rhondiva3@gmail.com or Regina Green at rgreen6025@gmail.com for ticket information.

The Unsung Hero/Heroine Award acknowledges individuals and organizations helping the under-served communities of Portland.

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