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The promise of genetics to cure disease

What do you think of when you hear a word like genomics? If your mind goes to scientists and lab coats, you’re definitely not alone. People often dismiss genomics as a technical field with little to no importance in our everyday lives. However, nothing could be further from the truth. A recent event organized by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s (CSHL’s) DNA Learning Center spoke to the real-world impacts of genomics.

“CRISPR has given me a lot of things—the opportunity to be a mother to my children. I remember they wanted to go to the park sometimes I just didn’t have the energy. To see the disappointment on their faces was hard. But I get to do it all now. I get to show up.” That’s Victoria Gray, the featured guest at CSHL’s recent Students Talk Science event. Gray is the first person ever treated with CRISPR gene-editing technology. She’s also the first person ever cured of sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that can cause crippling pain among other symptoms.

At the July 21 event, Gray shared her personal experience with sickle cell and CRISPR. She spoke of the pain that many with sickle cell know all too well. But she also spoke of hope—of the possibility that CRISPR gene-editing technology could one day improve the lives of more individuals like her. Importantly, she shared her story not only with CSHL scientists, but also with doctors, patients, and families from across the New York City metro area. There was a diverse audience in attendance, and that was important for both CSHL and Gray as the event’s planners aimed to bring into the conversation those groups that have historically been excluded from scientific discourse.

Now, you can watch it too. Press play to see Victoria Gray share her amazing story and learn more about the promise of CRISPR gene-editing technology.