These Kids Can't Wait

Episode 6: Transplanting Hope


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๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Hosts: Erin Hubbard and Laurel Gregier

๐ŸŽค Guest: Dr. Paul Orchard

๐Ÿ“… Release Date: 5/12/2025

๐Ÿ”ฌ Topic: Bone Marrow Transplants, Gene Therapy, and the Future of Rare Disease Treatment

Episode Overview

In this episode of These Kids Canโ€™t Wait, we are joined by Dr. Paul Orchard, Medical Director of the Inherited Metabolic and Storage Disease Transplantation Program at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Orchard brings decades of experience treating ultra-rare lysosomal disorders through stem cell transplantation and emerging gene therapies. Together with hosts Erin and Laurel, he walks us through the science, challenges, and hope behind bone marrow transplants for rare diseases, sharing insights from his career, reflections on patient care, and the future of life-saving treatment.

Key Takeaways

โœ”๏ธ How bone marrow transplantation works for lysosomal storage disorders

โœ”๏ธ The difference between cord blood and unrelated donor stem cells

โœ”๏ธ The impact of early diagnosis and newborn screening

โœ”๏ธ Limitations of enzyme replacement therapy and the promise of gene therapy

โœ”๏ธ How families and advocates can help shape research and access to treatment

โœ”๏ธ The emotional and medical realities of caring for ultra-rare patients

Resources & Links

๐ŸŒ Learn more: thelostenzymeproject.org

๐Ÿ“ข Follow us on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

https://www.instagram.com/thelostenzymeproject/

https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lost-Enzyme-Project/61551541563692/

๐Ÿ“ฉ Contact us:

Email us at [email protected]

Producer: [email protected]

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These Kids Can't WaitBy Erin Hubbard