In her home on the island of Kauai with her husband Chris Constantino at her side and her two children playing nearby, Nichelle Obar breaks the illusion that nothing was ever amiss in her family's slice of paradise. "It all happened so fast," she says, explaining the cascade of news and life-and-death decisions she and … Continue reading Looking Back in Gratitude: One Family, One Trial, and Moving Science Forward
Month: September 2026
How CIRM supports patients and their families in clinical trials
A year ago, Sam and his wife knew little about clinical trials, experimental therapies, or a rare, aggressive brain cancer known as diffuse midline glioma. Since their 6-year-old daughter was diagnosed a few months ago, they've become experts. "I wouldn't have known about any of it," said Sam. "It's so rare — maybe 300 cases … Continue reading How CIRM supports patients and their families in clinical trials
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First-generation graduate career path in cell and gene therapies to fight cancer
Gisselle Contreras's parents beam with pride at all she's achieved. "I've exceeded their expectations," said Contreras. Gisselle Contreras's parents beam with pride at all she's achieved. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in molecular biology, she’s the first person in her family to earn a college degree. She's researching gene and cell therapies to treat glioblastoma, an aggressive … Continue reading First-generation graduate career path in cell and gene therapies to fight cancer