Through a spirit of social justice and equity, and the passion of doctors, patients, and advocates, Oakland is home to critical developments in sickle cell research and treatment. From the first sickle cell clinics set up by the Black Panther Party, to a revolutionary clinical trial involving CRISPR, this series explores the frontiers of science and health equity by telling the stories of the people who create change.

What happens when the struggle for racial justice meets a complex medical condition? Sickle cell disease primarily affects communities of color, and the search for treatments requires work on two fronts: innovative science and addressing inequity. This episode helps us understand what sickle cell is, its affects and how treatments have developed through the experiences of Oakland patients and doctors.

Oakland was home to the Black Panther Party, a group that was key to driving awareness and action on treating sickle cell. The city's tradition of activism has supported successive generations of advocates in public health. Meet the doctors, patients and community members who call Oakland home.

What is it like to have sickle cell? Hear from the people navigating the unpredictability of the disease. From their stories and experiences, it is clear that understanding the human side of medicine is just as important as the clinical expertise when it comes to treatment.

Sickle cell treatments have developed slowly, but partnerships, collaboration, and the scientific revolution of CRISPR gene therapy is offering new promise. How have treatments developed and what are the issues that come with a big step forward? This episode examines the science behind sickle cell therapies, and the potential of a new clinical trial in Oakland.

The potential of CRISPR is enormous, but how does cutting-edge science get applied in the real world? We hear from patients on their views and the need for strong relationships with care providers. The powerful innovation also means thinking about how treatments can be made accessible, both in the US and globally, and the unique role UCSF and the UC consortium play as public institutions in Oakland clinical trial.

In our series finale, we hear about how people are living with the disease, and from the powerful network of people who have spent their lives working on behalf of the community to treat and ultimately attempt to cure Sickle Cell. At the core of this commitment is the love that exists between the health care providers, advocates and families involved.