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Rare and Genetic “Special Edition” on Sickle Cell Disease and IgA Nephropathy on Lifetime TV

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“To be a patient advocate is to arm yourself with the latest research, knowledge and resources for the community and so far we’ve been able to touch the lives of millions of people through the 100+ disease specific segments we’ve aired so far,” says Carri Levy, Creator of Behind The Mystery


DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB)

“Behind the Mystery: Rare and Genetic” (BTM) is a recurring health segment on the national, award-winning morning show, The Balancing Act, that highlights the emotional, scientific and medical aspects of rare and genetic diseases. For the past nine (9) years, BTM has been bringing these often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed and complex medical conditions to the forefront by partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies who are on a mission to educate the public, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. To date, the show has featured over 100+ disease states and is an invaluable resource to people suffering from these disorders and the entire rare disease community.

This extended 30-minute “Special Edition” of Behind the Mystery: Rare and Genetic will air on December 9 and January 26 on Lifetime TV and will then stream online at: https://thebalancingact.com/rare.

Featured rare diseases:


  • Sickle Cell Disease – is a lifelong debilitating disease, affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. Patient’s with sickle cell have an inherited mutation in their hemoglobin gene causing red blood cells to become hook-shaped or crescent-shaped every time they give up oxygen. As a result, they clump and clog blood vessels, limiting blood flow, causing intense pain and organ damage. Patients with severe Sickle Cell have frequent pain episodes and trips to the hospital; they typically only live to their 40’s. In this special episode, you will meet Carla, a sickle cell patient who has outlived the average life expectancy, and learn about a new, one-time potentially curative investigational gene therapy by Dr. Malik of The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Cincinnati Children’s. For more information, visit momentumtrials.com or clinicaltrials.gov.

  • IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) – is a progressive kidney disease in which up to 50% of patients end up at risk of developing end stage kidney disease and possible kidney dialysis. Although it manifests in the kidneys, most scientific studies have found that the cause of IgAN begins in the gastrointestinal track. Currently there are no approved treatment options; however, clinical trials are currently being conducted to target the abnormal IgA production thought to be the cause of the inflammation and scaring which causes the kidneys to decline. In this special episode, IgAN Researcher and Nephrologist Dr. Jonathan Barratt of the University of Leicester, UK, discusses this complex kidney disease. John, an IgAN patient, also shares the journey of his shocking diagnosis and how he is determined to help others suffering with the disease. For more information, visit igan.org.

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About The Balancing Act: The Balancing Act is a morning show created and produced by BrandStar that offers sensible solutions and essential information in a fun, entertaining format; providing resources to help people do life better. Now in its 19th season, The Balancing Act features everything from delicious recipes, style makeovers and dream getaways to parenting tips and the latest news in health and wealth. Tune in to The Balancing Act weekdays at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Lifetime®, and find all previously aired episodes on TheBalancingAct.com.

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