Latest news with #SarahBrown
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Heartbreak for Aussie families as death toll from 'killer' disease hits 'unprecedented' numbers
A grieving family have warned Australians to take the 'unprecedented' rise in cases of a deadly, soil-borne disease seriously. At least 31 Aussies have died after being infected by tropical disease melioidosis so far this year, with 211 cases recorded across the state. The number of people suffering from the disease, caused by bacteria lurking in mud and dirty water, has seen a significant increase compared to previous years. The family of Evan Brown, who contracted the disease and died in hospital in March last year, warned that Australians should not assume their symptoms are flu. 'That's something we didn't put together and I really wish that we had,' his wife Sarah Brown said. 'I really hope that people can start to hear the message and really understand that it is present - and it's probably going to get worse if we keep having these big flood seasons.' Mr Brown, who was diabetic with an auto-immune condition, thought he had suffered from a virus after being sick on and off for a month before he was admitted to hospital. His organs began shutting down and he was airlifted to the Gold Coast where he eventually passed away. Ms Brown said the rising death toll was incredibly triggering for her family. 'It's been really scary for us because obviously it makes everything very present and very conscious again for us,' she said. The fatal tropical disease, caused by bacteria which lives in water or soil that has been disturbed, is commonly detected in northern Australia. It is seasonal in nature, with cases often occurring during wet season when there has been heavy rain or flooding, such as that seen across Queensland during autumn. Professor Paul Griffin, Mater Health Services' director of infectious diseases, said the extraordinary flooding in north Queensland was a key factor in the surging cases. 'When you see the rainfall and the flooding events that we've had, it was expected that we'd have a potential increase in cases,' he said. 'But I think the magnitude and the number of deaths in particular is a bit of a surprise.' Some medical experts have also suggested the disturbance of soil during the Bruce Highway upgrade could be a contributing factor. 'It's certainly been speculated that there's some clustering of cases around there and that may be a factor,' Prof Griffin said. Infrastructure body Transport and Main Roads, which is responsible for the project, has said previously that they met with researchers about the construction. 'Should health investigations confirm ground-disturbing works are a contributing factor in the spread of soil-borne bacteria causing illnesses, TMR will implement any recommendations from experts to ensure essential road projects meet the highest level of safety,' a TMR spokesperson said. Those with underlying health conditions like diabetes and lung disease, along with people who drink a lot of alcohol, are urged to take precautions. Symptoms include fever, pneumonia, exhaustion, vomiting, abdominal pains and chest pressure. When potentially exposed to contaminated water or handling soil, gumboots, long pants, gloves and masks are recommended.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
SC has declared Infertility Awareness Week — now let's protect IVF
Sarah Brown, a Birmingham, Alabama, resident and in vitro fertilization patient, holds a sign saying 'I'm Here Because of IVF' at the Alabama Statehouse on Feb. 28, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (File photo by Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) When my infertility journey began back in 2015, no one I knew was talking about it. It felt like this secret club no one wanted to admit they were in. That's why I'm so proud that, thanks to recent advocacy efforts, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a proclamation (provided below) officially recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week, which will be observed April 20–26. It's a powerful step in acknowledging that infertility is real; it's medical; and it affects 1 in 7 couples in the U.S. — including me. Awareness about infertility is just the beginning. Because of my infertility, I tried multiple treatment options — including four rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and three rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the end, we walked away with one living child and one miscarriage that required a dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedure. We paid 100% out of pocket for treatment because, as a military family, we don't have insurance coverage for infertility care unless it's due to a direct injury to reproductive organs. That's something most people don't realize. And it's just one example of how broken and inconsistent the system is when it comes to supporting people who want to build a family. That's part of what drives me today. I now run my own business, Empowered Infertility, as an IVF mindset coach and host the 'More Than Your Infertility' podcast. Since 2019, I have worked with women all over the country to help them emotionally navigate the IVF rollercoaster — because I know firsthand how hard it is and how isolating it can feel. Recently, I participated in a federal advocacy day through Resolve (the national infertility association) where I met with South Carolina legislators alongside other residents impacted by infertility. We shared our stories — the heartbreak, the medical treatments, the financial burden — all in hopes of helping lawmakers understand what's at stake. One of the people who joined us was a hopeful grandmother from the Lowcountry. Her son and daughter-in-law are currently going through IVF to try to start a family — to make her a grandma. And she wanted lawmakers to know that even as a Catholic, she fully supports access to IVF care. Her voice reminded me that this issue crosses political, religious, and generational lines. It's about people, not parties. That's why I'm grateful for the work of the Women's Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN). WREN has been a tireless force in South Carolina for years, helping to secure access to contraception, protect bodily autonomy, and defend the right to make informed reproductive decisions. They've helped pass laws like the Pharmacy Access Act, which allows pharmacists to prescribe birth control directly — a huge win for health care access in our state. Now, WREN is helping lead the effort to protect IVF, and they're showing everyday people like me how to use our stories to make a difference — even if we don't have a background in politics. And here's the thing: You don't have to testify at the Statehouse or publish an op-ed to make your voice count. If you're in the thick of treatments right now, just getting through the day is enough — I've got you. But if you're on the other side, or you know someone who's walked this path, now is the time to speak up. Infertility and IVF are no longer topics whispered about in secrecy. More and more people are finding the courage to share — not just publicly, but in everyday conversations. Start with your inner circle. Talk to your friends, your coworkers, your community. When lawmakers hear from people they know and love, it changes everything. IVF isn't a first option. It's often the last resort after years of trying less invasive treatments. It's not a luxury. It's a medical treatment option. It's a lifeline. And it deserves to be protected. As we recognize National Infertility Awareness Week here in South Carolina, let's do more than acknowledge the problem. Let's support the people going through it. Let's protect access to IVF for all the people who will need it and don't even know it. And let's make sure our lawmakers understand: Infertility is a medical diagnosis that doesn't discriminate — and neither should our laws.
The Independent
24-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Sarah Brown's charity sends laptops to Ukraine to help senior pupils sit exam
More than 21,000 pupils in Ukraine are being given access to laptops to help them study thanks to Sarah Brown's education charity. As the country marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, Theirworld is delivering 500 laptops to schools, which will be used by 21,600 senior pupils to sit their national multi-subject test (NMT) – to make university education a possibility. Campaigners hope it will allow the country to rebuild, with pupils currently forced to log on in underground shelters due to displacement and the threat of shelling. Theirworld warned higher education could become a 'forgotten casualty of war', and said the laptops are a 'lifeline to education, opportunity and hope'. Mrs Brown, chairwoman of the charity and the wife of former prime minister Gordon Brown, said: 'It's not just about providing technology – it's about equipping Ukraine's next generation with the skills they need to rebuild their country.' A key challenge facing the Ukrainian education system has been allowing pupils to sit the NMT – a mandatory university entrance exam now taken digitally due to the conflict, roughly equivalent to A-levels in the Ucas Tariff system in the UK. The charity has delivered more than 70,000 laptops to displaced Ukrainian children and teachers in partnership with Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry for Digital Transformation, and the Olena Zelenska Foundation. Each device will support, on average, more than 40 pupils in continuing their studies and sitting their NMT. The laptops will be placed in educational institutions across different Ukrainian regions, including frontline schools and sheltered learning facilities, where pupils remain determined to learn despite daily air raid sirens and the constant threat of attack. At Zaporizhzhia Lyceum, a school near the front line that has doubled as a testing centre for two years, pupils will receive laptops to support their studies in a makeshift underground classroom. Oleksiy, a final year pupil, said: ' Learning during the war has changed significantly. At home, I work on touchpads. When I use a tablet, I encounter some difficulties. Having access to a laptop is essential for me to take the national multi-subject test.' Ivan, also in his final year, said: 'My education has changed a lot. Before the war, I went to school every day, but now I study in the shelter daily and prepare for the NMT. Access to this laptop allows me to prepare for the test every day in a safe environment.' Teacher Anna said: 'As a teacher, when the war began, I faced several challenges, primarily safety concerns. The shelter enables us to prepare for the test without delaying lessons. 'It is essential to practice using the same technology. This provides peace of mind for students and teachers and helps them get familiar with the technology before the exam, which is crucial.' Nina Horbachova, director of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, said 'Ensuring Ukrainian children's access to education during the war is one of the key objectives of the Olena Zelenska Foundation. 'With our partners, we transfer devices to those forced to learn online due to the constant shelling threats. 'This initiative helps students take essential steps – from graduation from school to university admission. 'We thank our partners for such a significant contribution to preserving the future of Ukrainian children through education.' Yevhen Kudriavets, first deputy minister for education in Ukraine, said: 'Even in the face of war, we must protect every child's right to education. 'Access to technology is vital to ensuring students can continue their studies, take their exams and secure their future. 'These laptops represent the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people. 'For the children who are the cornerstone of the country's future, they are a promise of a better tomorrow.'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Art space receives 'vital' £319k government funding
A Surrey gallery and museum will receive over £300,000 in government funding as part of a new scheme for arts and heritage venues. The Lightbox Gallery and Museum in Woking will receive part of a £270m round of funding aimed at supporting young people with creative opportunities. Sarah Brown, director of Lightbox, said the funding would be used to support urgent repair work to the building which is nearly 20 years old. The Arts Council England (ACE) funding is being announced to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the first White Paper on the arts. In total, Lightbox will receive £319,000 from the Museums Estate and Development Fund (Mend). Ms Brown said: "We are delighted to be awarded ACE Mend funding, which will allow us to carry out vital work on our landmark building that is approaching 20 years old and is now in need of urgent repair. "This funding is a real investment in the creativity and culture of Woking, enabling us to continue providing an inspiring and welcoming space for our communities and to make a difference to everyone's use and enjoyment of the Lightbox Gallery & Museum into the future. " Under the new government plans, a new £85m fund will be created to support capital works to arts venues across the UK. Lightbox will benefit from part of the fifth round of Mend funding, worth £25m. In December 2024, Woking Borough Council announced proposals to stop subsidising the Lightbox in a bid to make £150,000 savings. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Cash-strapped Woking council mulls more savings Lightbox Gallery and Museum
