Cary Spotlight | Issue #338

Gene Therapy Restores Vision for NC Father, Cinema Therapy & Opioid Awareness in Wake County

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀Meme of the Day

📰 Gene Therapy at Duke Restores Vision for NC Father in Time for Son's Birth

▶️ Cinema Therapy: Therapist Reacts to INSIDE OUT

📰 National Save a Life Day: Wake County Tackles the Opioid Crisis

😋🍴 Savor Cary: First Watch

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅Lots Of Events This Week

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the only fish that produces sound?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Gene Therapy at Duke Restores Vision for NC Father in Time for Son's Birth

Tyler Wilfong, a Lincolnton resident diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that leads to blindness, spent much of his life preparing to lose his vision. His peripheral and night vision deteriorated early on, and by his twenties, he could no longer drive. As his condition worsened, he increasingly relied on his wife for day-to-day tasks, but his hope remained. That hope was rewarded when he learned about a cutting-edge gene therapy offered at Duke Eye Center, designed to treat his specific gene mutation.

In the spring, Tyler received the therapy in one eye, and within days, he regained some of his sight—enough to see his fingers for the first time. The timing of the treatment was especially poignant, as it allowed him to witness the birth of his son and experience the joys of fatherhood in ways he had once thought impossible.

The therapy, while life-changing for Tyler, only works for a small percentage of people with retinitis pigmentosa, as it targets a specific gene mutation. Researchers at Duke continue to work on finding treatments for the broader population of RP patients, offering hope for future breakthroughs.

For Tyler, the therapy has been transformative, restoring a level of independence and offering him the chance to watch his son grow. He is set to undergo a second procedure on his other eye this fall, with cautious optimism for even greater improvement in his vision. Read Full Story

Cinema Therapy: Therapist Reacts to GOOD WILL HUNTING

Viewer’s Response: “When a licensed experienced therapist says that he is striving to be like the therapist character in a movie whose screenplay was written by 19 year olds, you know it's great.”

Would you recommend Good Will Hunting to someone who hasn’t seen it?

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National Save a Life Day: Wake County Tackles the Opioid Crisis

Wake County is actively participating in the fight against the opioid overdose crisis as part of a nationwide initiative focused on harm reduction and community support. Recent CDC data shows a 10% decrease in opioid-related deaths, with a notable 20% reduction in fentanyl overdose deaths. This improvement is partially attributed to the wider availability of naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses, thanks to federal programs aimed at increasing access in the most affected areas.

In recognition of National Save a Life Day on September 26, 2024, Wake County’s Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition has organized two public events. Today, a free naloxone training session will take place at John Chavis Memorial Park from 5:30-6:30 p.m., offering participants the chance to learn how to prevent overdoses and safely administer naloxone.

Tomorrow, September 26, a Community Conversation on Overdose Prevention will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Transfer Food Hall, where attendees can discuss strategies for addressing the crisis in Wake County and explore ways to reduce stigma surrounding substance use. These events aim to equip more residents with the knowledge and resources needed to save lives.

If you are unable to attend one of the official Save a Life Day Events hosted by the Wake County Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition, you can access naloxone via organizations across the county. 

Credit: First Watch

Savor Cary: First Watch

First Watch is one of the restaurants that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Savor Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. We will share the results of this reader poll in an upcoming issue.

First Watch

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Cary Spotlight’s “Savor Cary” giveaway, a new initiative designed to highlight Cary's vibrant dining scene. Subscribers can enter to win a local dining experience by referring new readers to our newsletter.

You can choose from a selection of dining experiences valued at $100 (GrubHub Gift Card). Next drawing: 24 Oct 2024.

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

September 25th (Wednesday)

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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question👇👇👇

The croaker fish is one of the few species of fish that produces sound. Named after the distinctive croaking noise it makes, this fish uses specialized muscles around its swim bladder to generate vibrations.

These sounds are primarily used during mating season to attract partners or communicate with other fish. The croaker's unique ability to vocalize sets it apart from most other fish species, which are typically silent.

For more information about croaker fish and their sound-producing abilities, you can visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) page.