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Dad brings dance to daughter awaiting heart transplant in hospital

Dad brings dance to daughter awaiting heart transplant in hospital

Yahoo26-02-2025
A 10-year-old girl awaiting a heart transplant had an unforgettable father-daughter dance at Cleveland Clinic Children's after missing a similar event at her school.
Caregivers decorated Ava Cooper's hospital room with heart-shaped streamers, lights and balloons, while Ava's mom Jamie Cooper helped her daughter get ready in a pink dress and did her hair and makeup, the hospital told "Good Morning America" in an email.
Dad and daughter take dance class together in sweet video: Watch
Ava's dad Sean Cooper waited outside her room with a corsage, and the medical team safely escorted Ava, who relies on a Berlin Heart device, to the improvised dance floor, the hospital said.
Ava's Berlin Heart device "helps her heart pump blood throughout her body," according to Cleveland Clinic Children's.
Surrounded by cheering caregivers, the two swayed to Ava's favorite songs, sharing a heartfelt moment that Sean Cooper called one of the most impactful of his life, "rivaled only by her birth," according to the hospital.
Ava said her favorite memory from that day was the slow dance with her father, saying, "My dad is like having the best friend a girl could ask for."
Ava has been in the hospital for over 200 days, fighting congenital heart defects since birth, according to Cleveland Clinic Children's.
Despite multiple surgeries, Jamie Cooper said her daughter remains a fighter, holding onto hope for a donor heart.
Dad brings dance to daughter awaiting heart transplant in hospital originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
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12-year-old sworn in as honorary sheriff ahead of organ transplant

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12-year-old sworn in as honorary sheriff ahead of organ transplant

A 12-year-old New York boy who has kidney failure was sworn in as an honorary sheriff this week. Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. oversaw the swearing-in ceremony of Wyatt Houppert on Tuesday, calling it an important event for everyone at the sheriff's office. "Welcoming Wyatt Houppert as 'Sheriff for the Day' was a meaningful moment for our agency," Toulon said in a statement to "Good Morning America." Wyatt's mom, Devan Houppert, told "GMA" they found out in 2021 that Wyatt was born with one regular kidney and another "the size of a walnut" that "had never developed." Houppert said doctors told them that over the years, Wyatt's one full-size kidney began to fail, and by February 2025, they learned both of Wyatt's kidneys had gone into failure, and he needed to be treated with hemodialysis and would eventually require a kidney transplant. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hemodialysis is a treatment that helps the body filter water and waste from the bloodstream because the kidneys are unable to do so by themselves. Despite having to undergo dialysis three to four times a week for at least four hours per session, Houppert said her son has not lost hope and has kept a positive outlook for months. "Never for a second did he even consider it's not going to be OK," Houppert said. "It's always, 'We got this. Come on, let's just do it. Where's my kidney? Let's go right now.' And just so positive, just, 'It's going to be OK.'" "Many times, me and my husband have been upset sitting there, and then we're looking at him, going, 'Wait a second, we have so much to learn from this child,'" she added. "Because he's sitting there with the best attitude." Houppert said Dawn Rice, a family friend, volunteered to get evaluated to see if she could donate a kidney to Wyatt, and after testing, she said doctors surprised the family with the news that Rice was "a perfect match" for Wyatt. Rice also happens to be the wife and sister of two corrections officers with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, which honored her as well at Wyatt's "sheriff for the day" ceremony. "[Wyatt's] strength and courage are truly inspiring, and the selfless kidney donation by Dawn Rice reflects the compassion and unity of our Sheriff's Office family," Toulon said. Houppert said her 12-year-old was "over the moon" to be "sheriff for the day." "He's a very, like, stoic, serious guy. So when you get those smiles, and he's telling you, 'It's the best day ever,' you know that it really was," Houppert recalled. "He definitely took his sheriff duties very seriously all day," she added. "It was so funny hearing him telling his older brother, 'Turn the TV up. I'm the sheriff. We have to get pizza for dinner. I'm the sheriff.'" Wyatt is scheduled to undergo his kidney transplant at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone in New York City on Monday. Dr. Marissa Lipton, a pediatric nephrologist in the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, told "GMA" the kidney transplant will be life-changing for the boy. "Wyatt is an incredible kid with a wonderfully supportive family and community behind him. Our entire team at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone is honored to care for him and support his family as he prepares for his transplant on Monday," Lipton said in an emailed statement. "We're looking forward to getting him off dialysis. This transplant will truly change his life, and we're so grateful to his living donor for this incredible gift," Lipton added. "We can't wait to see Wyatt back to playing outside and enjoying his video games like any active 12-year-old."

Sobi Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Doptelet® (avatrombopag) for the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia in Pediatric Patients One Year and Older with Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Sobi Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Doptelet® (avatrombopag) for the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia in Pediatric Patients One Year and Older with Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Business Upturn

time4 days ago

  • Business Upturn

Sobi Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Doptelet® (avatrombopag) for the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia in Pediatric Patients One Year and Older with Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Doptelet Sprinkle (avatrombopag) was approved as an effective formulation for children one year to less than six years. The primary endpoint was met in 27.8% of patients, confirming the efficacy in children and adolescents with persistent or chronic ITP WALTHAM, Mass., July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sobi North America, the North American affiliate of Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi®), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Doptelet® (avatrombopag) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients one year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a prior therapy. 1 The approval also includes a new formulation, Doptelet Sprinkle (avatrombopag) oral granules, for use in children ages one to less than six years. 1 'Doptelet represents a significant advancement in the treatment of children and adolescents with persistent or chronic ITP,' said Rachael Grace, MD, MMSc, Pediatric Hematologist and Director, Hematology Clinical Research at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, and lead investigator of the AVA-PED-301 study. 'This therapy offers simple, flexible administration because it is oral, available as a tablet and now as a new pediatric sprinkle formulation and has no food restrictions. The approval of Doptelet for pediatric ITP offers families a new treatment option that can help address challenges in managing ITP in pediatric patients.' Doptelet Sprinkle is the approved dosage form for patients aged one to less than six years, while Doptelet tablet is the approved dosage form for patients aged six and up. 1 The pediatric approval is based on results from AVA-PED-301, a global, randomized, phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of Doptelet in the treatment of pediatric subjects with ITP. The study showed that 27.8% of Doptelet patients achieved the primary endpoint of durable platelet response* versus 0% of placebo patients in the absence of rescue medication (p=0.0077, 95% CI 15.8-39.7). Also, 81.5% of Doptelet patients achieved the alternative primary endpoint of platelet response** versus no patients in the placebo group (p=<0.0001, 95% CI 71.1-91.8). At Day 8, 55.6% of Doptelet patients (95% CI: 41.4%, 69.1%) had a platelet count ≥50×10^9/L in the absence of rescue therapy (p<0.0001) versus no placebo patients (95% CI: 0.0%, 16.1%). Doptelet was generally well-tolerated. In pediatric patients with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) were viral infection, nasopharyngitis, cough, pyrexia, and oropharyngeal pain.1 'Since its introduction in 2019, Doptelet has been a cornerstone therapy for chronic ITP in adults,' said Duane Barnes, President of Sobi North America. 'This approval not only reinforces our commitment to innovation but also allows us to expand the treatment experience for patients and their families by offering Doptelet in two formulations.' Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by low numbers of platelets, leading to bruising and an increased risk of bleeding. It is estimated up to 100 people per million live with ITP. In children, ITP occurs in five out of 100,000 children per year and up to 25% of newly diagnosed pediatric ITP patients develop chronic ITP. Currently, no cure is available, and patients usually relapse after various treatments. Indications Doptelet is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of: Thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease who are scheduled to undergo a procedure. Thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment Thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients 1 year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment Important Safety Information Doptelet is a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist and TPO receptor agonists have been associated with thrombotic and thromboembolic complications in patients with chronic liver disease or immune thrombocytopenia. In patients with chronic liver disease, thromboembolic events (portal vein thrombosis) occurred in 0.4% (1/274) of patients receiving Doptelet. In adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia, thromboembolic events (arterial or venous) occurred in 7% (9/128) of patients receiving Doptelet. Doptelet should not be administered to patients with chronic liver disease or immune thrombocytopenia in an attempt to normalize platelet counts. The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials were viral infection, nasopharyngitis, cough, pyrexia, and oropharyngeal pain. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sobi, Inc. at 1-866-773-5274 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or Please see the full Prescribing Information for Doptelet. * A durable response consisted of patients achieving a platelet count >=50,000/uL for six of the last eight weeks in the 12-week core phase of the AVA-PED-301 study. ** Efficacy was also evaluated by platelet response, defined as the proportion of subjects achieving at least two consecutive platelet assessments ≥50×10^9/L in the core phase in the absence of rescue medication. About Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare, acquired autoimmune condition characterized by a low platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding, and represents a multi-faceted disease burden for children and adolescents. Bleeding can range from minor symptoms, such as bruising, to more severe findings such as intracranial hemorrhage. ITP can also have a significant impact on quality of life including severe fatigue and restrictions on physical activity due to risk of bleeding. About Doptelet® (avatrombopag) Doptelet is an orally administered thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) that mimics the biologic effects of TPO in stimulating the development and maturation of megakaryocytes, resulting in increased platelet count. It is approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease who are scheduled to undergo a procedure and by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of severe thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) who are scheduled to undergo an invasive procedure. In June 2019, Doptelet was approved by the FDA for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment and in 2021, Doptelet was approved by EMA for the treatment of primary chronic ITP in adult patients who are refractory to other treatments (e.g. corticosteroids, immunoglobulins). About Sobi North America As the North American affiliate of international biopharmaceutical company Sobi, the Sobi North America team is committed to Sobi's vision of being a leader in providing innovative treatments that transform lives for individuals with rare diseases. Our product portfolio includes multiple approved treatments focused on immunology, hematology and specialty care. With U.S. headquarters in the Boston area, Canadian headquarters in the Toronto area, and field sales, medical and market access representatives spanning North America, our growing team has a proven track record of commercial excellence. More information is available at or at About Sobi® Sobi is a global biopharma company unlocking the potential of breakthrough innovations, transforming everyday life for people living with rare diseases. Sobi has approximately 1,900 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. In 2024, revenue amounted to SEK 26 billion. Sobi's share (STO:SOBI) is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More about Sobi at and LinkedIn. Contacts For details on how to contact the Sobi Investor Relations Team, please click here. For Sobi Media, click here. References 1. Doptelet Prescribing Information. Doptelet U.S. Product Information. Last updated: July 2025. Morrisville, NC: AkaRx, Inc. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Ozzy Osbourne's rare form of Parkinson's sparks questions about lifestyle factors
Ozzy Osbourne's rare form of Parkinson's sparks questions about lifestyle factors

Fox News

time4 days ago

  • Fox News

Ozzy Osbourne's rare form of Parkinson's sparks questions about lifestyle factors

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne died on Tuesday at 76 after battling a rare form of Parkinson's disease. The Black Sabbath lead singer had been open about his condition for the last several years, first discussing it during an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America" in 2019. He and wife Sharon Osbourne revealed the rock star's diagnosis of PRKN-2, a genetic condition typically defined as early-onset Parkinson's disease that evolves more slowly. "I'm no good with secrets," the singer said. "I cannot walk around with it anymore, 'cause it's like, I'm running out of excuses, you know?" Osbourne confirmed with GMA that he had a "bad fall" that led to neck surgery and interference with his nerves. The rocker took some time off from performing to handle his health complications, but just weeks before his death, he took to the stage one last time for Black Sabbath's "Back to the Beginning" performance on July 5 in Birmingham, England. Dr. Brandon Crawford, a developmental functional neurologist in Cedar Park, Texas, and co-founder of the NeuroSolution Center of Austin, noted that Parkinson's disease can affect everyone differently. The progressive neurodegenerative disorder impacts the area of the brain called the midbrain, which produces the chemical dopamine. Dopamine is known for promoting happiness, but it also motivates the body to move and think. Only about 10% to 15% of Parkinson's cases are "clearly linked" to genetics, Crawford noted, while the majority is due to a combination of mild genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. "Things like toxins, head trauma, sleep disruption or chronic inflammation tip the balance toward disease," Crawford, who did not treat Osbourne, told Fox News Digital. Parkinson's patients typically notice a physical slowing and inability to move their body. Some will first experience tremors, which Crawford called a "hallmark sign," often beginning in the hands. The disease can also cause digestive complications, such as constipation, inflamed gut or general intestinal issues. Cognitive decline is also a "major component" in Parkinson's development, the doctor noted. "Dopamine travels from the midbrain into the frontal lobe, and it gives us our ability to think," Crawford said. "It gives us a lot of our executive skills. And so that cognitive ability begins to decline." Patients may also notice slow sleech and dysregulated moods, often exhibiting signs of depression or general lack of motivation. "It's beyond just having tremors or slowed movement," Crawford said. "This neurodegenerative disease really starts to impact someone's entire life." While there is no cure for Parkinson's, it can be managed with dopamine agonists (medications that mimic dopamine) and other stimulants that can stabilize symptoms for a limited time. There may be "moments of clarity" and better movement, Crawford said, "but then as those drugs start to wane, everything kind of comes crashing back." Sharon Osbourne described her husband's condition during the interview with GMA, explaining how several good days were often followed by "a really bad day." In 2024, during an episode of his SiriusXM show "Ozzy Speaks," with co-host Billy Morrison, the singer shared details about stem cell treatments for his condition, which he'd reportedly been receiving for several years. Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy's daughter, commented in a 2020 interview with Cells4Life, a U.K.-based stem cell bank, that her father's progress after just one treatment was "mind-blowing." "He wants to get up. He wants to do things. He wants to be a part of the world again," she said. "He's walking better. He's talking better. His symptoms are lessening. He is building the muscle strength back that he needs." Stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease could replace the dopamine neurons lost to degeneration, according to Mass General Brigham. The hospital system announced FDA approval of a Phase 1 clinical trial for the therapy in March. Ozzy Osbourne's heavy-metal, rock-star lifestyle most likely did not help the development of his condition, according to Crawford. Circadian disruptions can be a major precursor of Parkinson's, as staying up late into the night in artificial lighting and eating meals outside of a normal schedule can be detrimental to the brain. "When the sun goes down, our retinas, our brain, our entire biology, is not designed to have this high-frequency light stimulus," he told Fox News Digital. "Multiple studies show that this type of exposure … can disrupt this circadian biology." These factors can also alter the microbiome, gut function, neurotransmitter production, liver function, detox pathways and stem cell migration, and can also promote chronic inflammation, the doctor warned. For someone like Ozzy Osbourne who lived a lifestyle that most likely does not consider "natural rhythms," there can be a higher risk of other conditions, like Alzheimer's or heart disease, according to the expert. Other lifestyle factors that could have led to Osbourne's Parkinson's diagnosis include the constant presence of loud music, substance abuse and head-banging, Crawford mentioned. "That's going to create some repeated head trauma … if you're going to be up there constantly shaking this brain in your head that's literally like a bowl full of jelly," he said. In addition to loud music, studies have shown that long-term exposure to heavy metals in a rock star's environment — like mercury, manganese and lead — could lead to an increased risk of Parkinson's. "As you're traveling the world, you're staying in older venues or using old equipment in a poorly ventilated area," Crawford said. "All of these things start to add up."

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