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community LIFE-CHANGING $2 MILLION GENE THERAPY AT WOMAN’S The youngest known patient to receive a life-saving, cutting-edge gene therapy was treated at Woman’s Hospital when she was just four days old. Lexa Dennis received the one-time Zolgensma therapy to treat spinal muscular atrophy, a devastating, debilitating and often fatal disease caused by a gene mutation that leads to difficulty performing basic life functions, including breathing and swallowing. “SMA is a serious illness that causes death or severe muscle weakness if they survive,” says Charlotte Hollman, MD, pediatric neurologist at Woman’s Hospital. “It’s the most common genetic cause of death in the first year of life.” Lexa’s medical team expects the $2.1 million treatment to prevent her from ever showing symptoms of SMA. ■ womans.org
GRANT PROVIDES EARLY LEARNING TECHNOLOGY
Preparing a child for kindergarten can be overwhelming. A new program from Baton Rouge Early Childhood Education Collaborative aims to help families of underserved preschoolers access what they need to be ready for the classroom. “There is a wealth of both information and programming available for early childhood education and well-being, much of which is available via the Internet,” says Patricia Smith, BRECEC executive director. “Our objective is to teach parents or caregivers how to access that information to help their children stay healthy and start learning at an early age.” The HomeStart Early Childhood Education and Technology Project began in March thanks to a grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Foundation. ■ brecec.org
APRIL 22 MARKS EARTH DAY From its first celebration in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global day of activism with more than one billion people in 192 countries participating. The 2021 theme, “Restore Our Earth,” provides a number of ways to participate both in large-scale global initiatives and smaller everyday steps toward more environmentally conscious lifestyles. “On Earth Day, and every day, there are many ways for individuals around the world to take action and make our shared home a more sustainable and healthy place to live,” says Terra Pascarosa, U.S. Earth Day national campaign director. “We do not have the luxury of time when it comes to combating climate change–we all need to act and act quickly.” ■ earthday.org 14
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BATON ROUGE BALLET ENDING ONLINE SEASON
In what they hope to be a final online-only performance, Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre will present Coppélia to complete its current season. The classic, comic ballet, which is fun for all ages, will be available for viewing April 12-26 for $30. The collaborative performance shares the story of a toymaker who believes his beloved doll has come to life, and it includes mishaps, pranks and a little romance. LeTiger Walker, artist-in-residence, performs as Franz, the male lead. By filming in the studio, multiple casts, including the Youth Ballet, will enjoy the opportunity to dance and perform, and safely reach more audience members who want to see their dancer’s moment in the spotlight. ■ batonrougeballet.org
