Camp Courage teaches understanding life's end to those just beginning theirs
Especially when your head still has bits of rubber clinging to it from your new friend's thrown balloon that hit you a few seconds earlier.
But it wasn't all water balloons at Camp Courage Thursday. Held at Hendrick Hospice Care, the long-running annual camp each summer teaches children strategies on how to process the loss of a loved one.
'Our purpose is to acknowledge and affirm the reality of children's grief,' Adrianna Golden-Smith, camp director, said. 'Kiddos experience loss and the wide breadth of all that comes with that experience in small bodies but in large ways.'
The week-long course is open to children who are entering the third grade to high school seniors. This year's camp featured about 40 kids.
To process grief, you need to understand it. Camp Courage asks the children to explore the nature of grief, how it is expressed, what it can physically feel like and its relationship with guilt, anger and regret.
'We recognize that we only get five days with them, and then they go home and continue their lives, and their grief never leaves,' Golden-Smith said. 'So, we focus on sustainability — giving them coping skills that are accessible and portable.'
That can be by using pencil and paper to write or draw it, as well as healthy physical activity to pull attention away from intense emotions for a mental break. Remaining connected to that lost loved one is also emphasized.
'I do have some kids that come back year after year. As they develop and grow, sometimes that grief changes with them, and so they've got different things that they need to explore,' she said. 'Or, unfortunately, sometimes life keeps coming, and they've got additional losses that they are also needing to process.'
The program is funded by the Children's Miracle Network, and aside from a $10 registration, is free of charge to attending children.
'And I will waive that in a heartbeat if it's a financial hardship,' she said.
Golden-Smith, who is also the bereavement coordinator for Hendrick Hospice, said the organization also offers a morning adult caregiver support group that meets Monday through Thursday each week.
'We want to give our caregivers the opportunity to also learn about children's grief and have a space to connect with others who are grieving their own loss and trying to support their kiddos,' she said.
Courage isn't limited to one week in the summer, however.
'We also have other programs throughout the year,' Golden-Smith said. 'We've got a six-week children's grief support group that meets in the spring and the fall called Club Courage, as well as a holiday grief workshop for families. And then lots of adult programs as well.'
Visit the Hendrick Hospice Care website for more information.
More: When is the southside Braum's opening in Abilene?
More: What to know about the upcoming 2025 Children's Art and Literacy Festival
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Water games help keep children afloat at Hendrick Hospice Camp Courage
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BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: STOK) is a biotechnology company dedicated to restoring protein expression by harnessing the body's potential with RNA medicine and has a lead investigational medicine, zorevunersen, in development as a first-in-class potential disease-modifying treatment for Dravet syndrome. The Company today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and provided business updates. 'This quarter was defined by strong execution that is driving momentum across our business,' said Ian F. Smith, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of Stoke Therapeutics. 'Our Phase 1/2 and open-label extension studies have provided a strong foundational understanding of zorevunersen and support the EMPEROR Phase 3 registrational study design. We continue to generate long-term data that are helping us appreciate the disease modifying potential of zorevunersen. At the same time, we see growing awareness of Dravet syndrome as a severe neurodevelopmental disease, which is bringing attention to our work and a high degree of interest in zorevunersen.' Smith continued, 'Beyond Dravet, we have initiated clinical development in a second disease area, advancing STK-002 into a Phase 1 study in patients with Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy. Without any treatments approved for ADOA, patients are at risk of progressive loss of sight caused primarily by insufficient OPA1 protein levels. Our pre-clinical data support the potential for STK-002 to restore naturally-occurring protein expression to maintain or improve vision in these patients. We look forward to continuing to expand our approach into new disease areas where we believe we can deliver first-in-class, disease modifying medicines for severe genetic diseases.' Recent Program Highlights Yesterday, the Company announced that the first patient has been dosed in the global Phase 3 EMPEROR study of zorevunersen for the treatment of Dravet syndrome. Sites have been initiated in the U.S., UK, Japan and are planned for Europe. Today, the Company announced new positive findings from the long-term open-label extension (OLE) studies of zorevunersen in children and adolescents with Dravet syndrome. Substantial and durable reductions in convulsive seizure frequency on top of standard-of-care medicines were observed through three years of zorevunersen treatment. The data also demonstrate continued improvements in cognition and behavior during the 3-year OLE period beyond the initial 9 months of treatment in the Phase 1/2 studies. Today, the Company announced the Phase 1 study (OSPREY) of STK-002 in patients with Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) is now underway. In July, the Company presented data at the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) Congress from an analysis that evaluated the potential effects on cognition and behavior of a dosing regimen similar to the one now being evaluated in Phase 3. (For full details, see the press release). Upcoming Anticipated Milestones The Company plans to present additional data from the zorevunersen clinical development program at upcoming medical congresses in 2025. Lead optimization is underway to identify a clinical candidate for the treatment of SYNGAP-1 in 2026. SYNGAP-1 is a severe and rare genetic neurodevelopmental disease. Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results As of June 30, 2025, the Company had $355.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, anticipated to fund operations to mid-2028. Revenue recognized for upfront license fees and services provided from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Acadia Pharmaceuticals for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $10.6 million, compared to $4.8 million, for the same period in 2024. Revenue recognized from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Biogen for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $3.2 million. There was no revenue for the same period in 2024. Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $23.5 million, or $0.40 per share, compared to a net loss of $25.7 million, or $0.46 per share for the same period in 2024. Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $25.9 million, compared to $21.1 million for the same period in 2024. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $15.3 million, compared to $13.0 million for the same period in 2024. Year-to-Date 2025 Financial Results Revenue recognized for upfront license fees and services provided from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Acadia Pharmaceuticals for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $16.8 million, compared to $9.0 million for the same period in 2024. Revenue recognized from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Biogen for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $155.6 million. There was no revenue for the same period in 2024. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $89.4 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $52.1 million, or $1.02 per share, for the same period in 2024. Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2025 were $58.5 million, compared to $43.5 million for the same period in 2024. General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2025 were $29.9 million, compared to $23.3 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in operating expenses for the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2025 over the same periods in 2024 primarily relate to increases in costs associated with an increase in personnel and launch readiness expense. Stoke Webcast and Conference Call for Analysts and Investors Stoke management will host a webcast and conference call for analysts and investors on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 4:30pm Eastern Time. The webcast will be available on the Investors & News section of Stoke's website at Research analysts who plan to join the call and participate in the Q&A session may register here to receive the dial-in details and a unique PIN. All other participants are invited to access the listen-only webcast by clicking here. A replay of the webcast will be archived and available for at least 90 days following the event. About Dravet Syndrome Dravet syndrome is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by severe, recurrent seizures as well as significant cognitive and behavioral impairments. Most cases of Dravet are caused by mutations in one copy of the SCN1A gene, leading to insufficient levels of NaV1.1 protein in neuronal cells in the brain. More than 90 percent of patients continue to experience seizures despite treatment with the best available anti-seizure medicines. Complications of the disease often contribute to a poor quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Developmental and cognitive impairments often include intellectual disability, developmental delays, movement and balance issues, language and speech disturbances, growth defects, sleep abnormalities, disruptions of the autonomic nervous system and mood disorders. Compared with the general epilepsy population, people living with Dravet syndrome have a higher risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP. Dravet syndrome occurs globally and is not concentrated in a particular geographic area or ethnic group. Currently, it is estimated that up to 38,000 people are living with Dravet syndrome in the U.S. (~16,000), UK, EU-4 and Japan. 1 About Zorevunersen Zorevunersen is an investigational antisense oligonucleotide that is designed to treat the underlying cause of Dravet syndrome by increasing NaV1.1 protein production in brain cells from the non-mutated (wild-type) copy of the SCN1A gene. This highly differentiated mechanism of action aims to reduce seizure frequency beyond what has been achieved with anti-seizure medicines and to improve neurodevelopment, cognition, and behavior. Zorevunersen has demonstrated the potential for disease modification and has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and the EMA. The FDA has also granted zorevunersen rare pediatric disease designation and Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of Dravet syndrome with a confirmed mutation not associated with gain-of-function, in the SCN1A gene. Stoke has a strategic collaboration with Biogen to develop and commercialize zorevunersen for Dravet syndrome. Under the collaboration, Stoke retains exclusive rights for zorevunersen in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; Biogen receives exclusive rest of world commercialization rights. About Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is the most common inherited optic nerve disorder. It is a rare disease that causes progressive and irreversible vision loss in both eyes starting in the first decade of life. Severity can vary and the rate of vision loss can be difficult to predict. Roughly half of people with ADOA fail driving standards and up to 46% are registered as legally blind. More than 400 different OPA1 mutations have been reported in people diagnosed with ADOA. ADOA affects approximately one in 30,000 people globally with a higher incidence in Denmark of one in 10,000 due to a founder effect. Currently there is no approved treatment for people living with ADOA. About STK-002 STK-002 is a proprietary antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in clinical development for the treatment of Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA). ADOA causes progressive and irreversible vision loss in both eyes starting in the first decade of life. Stoke believes that STK-002 has the potential to be the first disease-modifying therapy for people living with ADOA. An estimated 65% to 90% of cases are caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene, most of which lead to a haploinsufficiency resulting in 50% OPA1 protein expression and disease manifestation. STK-002 is designed to upregulate OPA1 protein expression by leveraging the non-mutant (wild-type) copy of the OPA1 gene to restore OPA1 protein expression with the aim to maintain or improve vision in patients with ADOA. Stoke has generated preclinical data demonstrating proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-concept for STK-002. STK-002 has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA as a potential new treatment for ADOA. A Phase 1 study (OSPREY) of STK-002 in patients with ADOA is now underway. About Stoke Therapeutics Stoke Therapeutics (Nasdaq: STOK), is a biotechnology company dedicated to restoring protein expression by harnessing the body's potential with RNA medicine. Using Stoke's proprietary TANGO (Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output) approach, Stoke is developing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to selectively restore naturally-occurring protein levels. Stoke's first medicine in development, zorevunersen, has demonstrated the potential for disease modification in patients with Dravet syndrome and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study. Stoke's initial focus are diseases of the central nervous system and the eye that are caused by a loss of ~50% of normal protein levels (haploinsufficiency). Proof of concept has been demonstrated in other organs, tissues, and systems, supporting broad potential for Stoke's proprietary approach. Stoke is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts. For more information, visit Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to: the Company's quarterly results and cash runway; its future operating results and current or future financial position and liquidity; the ability of zorevunersen to treat the underlying causes of Dravet syndrome and reduce seizures or show improvements in behavior and cognition at the indicated dosing levels or at all; the design, timing and results of clinical studies, data readouts, regulatory decisions and other presentations for zorevunersen and STK-002; the ability of STK-002 to treat the underlying causes of Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) and maintain or improve vision; our expectations, plans, aspirations and goals, including those related to the potential of zorevunersen and our collaborations with Biogen and Acadia. Statements including words such as 'anticipate,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'will,' or 'may' and statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they prove incorrect or do not fully materialize, could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: the Company's ability to advance, obtain regulatory approval and ultimately commercialize its product candidates; that if Biogen were to breach or terminate the collaboration, the Company would not obtain the anticipated financial or other benefits; the possibility that the Company and Biogen may not be successful in their development of zorevunersen and that, even if successful, they may be unable to successfully commercialize zorevunersen; positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent trials or successes in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage trials; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property; the Company's ability to fund development activities and achieve development goals through mid-2028; and the other risks and uncertainties described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and the other documents it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Reference: Based on Stoke Therapeutics' preliminary estimates, which scaled annual incidence to prevalence using country-specific live birth rates over the past 85 years and adjusted for Dravet-specific mortality. The estimate is based on incidence rates published by . Financial Tables Follow Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. and subsidiary Consolidated balance sheets (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) June 30, December 31, 2025 2024 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 101,472 $ 127,983 Marketable securities - current 146,236 88,916 Prepaid expenses 13,694 11,117 Restricted cash - current 75 75 Interest receivable 1,622 700 Other current assets 6,871 3,965 Total current assets $ 269,970 $ 232,756 Marketable securities - long-term 107,256 29,824 Restricted cash - long-term 721 721 Operating lease right-of-use assets 3,218 4,345 Property and equipment, net 3,343 3,909 Total assets $ 384,508 $ 271,555 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 4,313 $ 2,498 Accrued and other current liabilities 25,616 18,567 Deferred revenue - current portion 8,749 18,991 Total current liabilities $ 38,678 $ 40,056 Deferred revenue - net of current portion 9,632 — Other long term liabilities 1,255 2,478 Total long term liabilities 10,887 2,478 Total liabilities $ 49,565 $ 42,534 Stockholders' equity Common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 300,000,000 shares authorized, 54,723,455 and 54,032,826 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 5 5 Additional paid-in capital 736,276 719,997 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 96 (151 ) Accumulated deficit (401,434 ) (490,830 ) Total stockholders' equity $ 334,943 $ 229,021 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 384,508 $ 271,555 Expand Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. and subsidiary Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Revenue $ 13,817 $ 4,831 $ 172,386 $ 9,048 Operating expenses: Research and development 25,855 21,136 58,531 43,504 General and administrative 15,262 13,037 29,915 23,258 Total operating expenses 41,117 34,173 88,446 66,762 Income (loss) from operations (27,300 ) (29,342 ) 83,940 (57,714 ) Other income (expense): Interest income (expense), net 3,789 3,695 6,678 6,121 Other income (expense), net 28 (48 ) 57 (476 ) Total other income (expense) 3,817 3,647 6,735 5,645 Income (loss) before income taxes $ (23,483 ) $ (25,695 ) $ 90,675 $ (52,069 ) Provision for income taxes — — 1,278 — Net income (loss) $ (23,483 ) $ (25,695 ) $ 89,397 $ (52,069 ) Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.40 ) $ (0.46 ) $ 1.54 $ (1.02 ) Diluted (0.40 ) (0.46 ) $ 1.50 (1.02 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic 58,353,855 55,765,948 $ 58,109,622 51,288,222 Diluted 58,353,855 55,765,948 $ 59,681,472 51,288,222 Comprehensive income (loss): Net income (loss) $ (23,483 ) $ (25,695 ) $ 89,397 $ (52,069 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss): Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities 200 (15 ) 247 9 Total other comprehensive gain (loss) $ 200 $ (15 ) $ 247 $ 9 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (23,283 ) $ (25,710 ) $ 89,644 $ (52,060 ) Expand
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AI summaries can downplay medical issues for female patients, UK research finds
The latest example of bias permeating artificial intelligence comes from the medical field. A new study surveyed real case notes from 617 adult social care workers in the UK and found that when large language models summarized the notes, they were more likely to omit language such as "disabled," "unable" or "complex" when the patient was tagged as female, which could lead to women receiving insufficient or inaccurate medical care. Research led by the London School of Economics and Political Science ran the same case notes through two LLMs — Meta's Llama 3 and Google's Gemma — and swapped the patient's gender, and the AI tools often provided two very different patient snapshots. While Llama 3 showed no gender-based differences across the surveyed metrics, Gemma had significant examples of this bias. Google's AI summaries produced disparities as drastic as "Mr Smith is an 84-year-old man who lives alone and has a complex medical history, no care package and poor mobility" for a male patient, while the same case notes with credited to a female patient provided: "Mrs Smith is an 84-year-old living alone. Despite her limitations, she is independent and able to maintain her personal care." Recent research has uncovered biases against women in the medical sector, both in clinical research and in patient diagnosis . The stats also trend worse for racial and ethnic minorities and for the LGBTQ community . It's the latest stark reminder that LLMs are only as good as the information they are trained on and the people deciding how they are trained . The particularly concerning takeaway from this research was that UK authorities have been using LLMs in care practices, but without always detailing which models are being introduced or in what capacity. "We know these models are being used very widely and what's concerning is that we found very meaningful differences between measures of bias in different models,' lead author Dr. Sam Rickman said, noting that the Google model was particularly likely to dismiss mental and physical health issues for women. "Because the amount of care you get is determined on the basis of perceived need, this could result in women receiving less care if biased models are used in practice. But we don't actually know which models are being used at the moment."
