Ashlynn Malone underwent gene-editing therapy here at Cook Children's for sickle cell disease in 2024 through a clinical trial. The goal was to alter her DNA so that she starts producing more fetal hemoglobin, which carries oxygen more efficiently than the misshapen red blood cells of a person with SCD.
"Gene editing illustrates how progress in science can improve the lives of patients,” Cook Children’s Hematologist Clarissa Johnson, M.D., said. “It also is a great example ofhow the willingness to participate in clinical trials can help advance the field, because there had to be someone who said, ‘I’m willing to try this’ when it was still very much an unknown.”
Almost one year later, Ashlynn no longer experiences SCD pain since receiving a transplant of her edited stem cells. As we recognize World Sickle Cell Day, we encourage you toview Ashlynn's story on Checkup Newsroom.
Treating Obesity: Cook Children’s - Prosper Bariatric Surgery Program Marks First Anniversary
Since seeing the first patients in April 2024, the bariatric program in its debut year treated 158 teens who struggle with the complex and chronic disease of obesity.
Fort Worth is home to a lot of history and even history makers. Longtime Fort Worth resident Opal Lee, known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth." has drawn attention to June 19.
As part of Cook Children's ongoing efforts to streamline communication tools and align with Microsoft’s retirement of Skype, Cook Children’s will officially retire Skype across the organization on June 20, 2025.
Microsoft has announced that support for Skype for Business Server will end in October 2025, and we are moving away from the platform early to ensure a smooth and secure transition.
Most Cook Children's employees are already using Microsoft Teams. However, if you have any remaining Skype meetings or use Skype for messaging, please transition those meetings and chats to Teams before June 20.
Thank you for your cooperation as we complete this transition.
Sickle Cell Disease: Leading-Edge Treatment Brings Hope
Treating Obesity: Cook Children’s - Prosper Bariatric Surgery Program Marks First Anniversary
Opal Lee: The Grandmother of Juneteenth
Early Tenure Milestones Added to the Service Awards Program
Skype Ends on June 20, 2025