Welcome to "Black Blood Heals," the podcast spotlighting the cutting-edge advancements in treatments for inherited blood disorders. In today's pediatric-focused episode, we are honored to have Dr. Staci Arnold, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist, join our host, Tamara Weston, to discuss groundbreaking therapies reshaping the lives of young patients. Dr. Arnold brings a wealth of expertise from her work with children ranging from newborns to young adults, mainly those battling sickle cell disease and bone marrow failure syndromes. Today, we're zooming in on the complexities of sickle cell disease, the significance of early detection and ongoing research into gene therapy, and the importance of holistic care including pain management and encouraging physical activity within individual limits.

During our deep dive, Dr. Arnold shares insights on the necessity of newborn screening for conditions like sickle cell disease, emphasizing the critical role early intervention plays in managing this inherited disorder. With a passion for patient education, this episode highlights the misleading nature of initial sickle cell testing and the varied expression of symptoms over time, while touching upon the typical signs in toddlers and newborns.

Dr. Arnold advocates for empowering families with knowledge about when to manage episodes at home, and when to seek professional medical help. As we explore the evolution of understanding and treatment options for sickle cell and blood cancers, it’s clear that Dr. Arnold's work reflects the mission at the heart of "Black Blood Heals": to bring hope and healing to the youngest patients facing these challenging conditions. To learn more about blood stem cell therapy, transplantation, and to consider joining the fight against blood disorders, visit nmdp.org and become part of a movement that changes lives.

Get Involved

• Join the Donor Registry: https://bit.ly/3UGiU1S
• Visit NMDP for resources: https://bit.ly/48moDxd

Black Blood Heals is produced by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com