Cooler-than-average with a few showers possible this afternoonCommunity grieves as investigation continues into fatal Port Charlotte fire
the weather authority Cooler-than-average with a few showers possible this afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cooler-than-average temperatures with a possible afternoon shower this Thursday.
PORT CHARLOTTE Community grieves as investigation continues into fatal Port Charlotte fire The state fire marshal has yet to confirm whether 70-year-old Roseanne Cantasano was the victim of a devastating house fire on Monday night.
Local influencer reacts to potential TikTok ban TikTok is more than just a place to dance, learn something new or just scroll. For the Manella family, the app is a place where they can be themselves.
Protecting the Florida Panther from urban expansion The endangered Florida Panther is the king of the Everglades but new developments could rip apart their core territory.
Local Rabbi reacts to Israel and Hamas ceasefire agreement While the news of hostages being freed has brought relief, one local rabbi who has been speaking with WINK News since the war broke out expressed mixed feelings
Tiger dams in Collier County new defense system to stop flooding Collier County is now on board with a new defense system to stop flooding.
CAPE CORAL Plans for Cape Coral airport presented to City Council An airport in Cape Coral? The idea was presented to the city council on Wednesday as part of a broader report addressing the city’s rapid growth.
CAPE CORAL Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center gets new name and logo The Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center in Cape Coral is rebranding.
NAPLES Naples Pride Fest gets green light from City Council The Naples City Council voted to approve the permit for Naples Pride Fest at Cambier Park.
Former Lee supervisor of elections candidate calls for Sheriff Marceno to resign More fingers are pointing at Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.
NORTH FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers wants progress on submerged boats at Old Bridge Marina It has become a headache for many: boats left submerged at the Old Bridge Marina, next to the Edison Bridge.
Dementia risk factors unveiled Eating healthy and staying active can help keep your brain sharp, but did you know your family’s wealth may also affect your dementia risk?
Another chance at FEMA assistance If you applied for FEMA assistance after hurricanes Helene and Milton and are not happy with the answer they gave you, they are giving you another chance.
NAPLES Naples City Council names Gary L. Young as next city manager The Naples City Council unanimously voted to appoint Deputy City Manager and CFO Gary L. Young as the new city manager.
BONITA SPRINGS Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming to Bonita Springs Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming soon to Downton Bonita Springs.
the weather authority Cooler-than-average with a few showers possible this afternoon The Weather Authority is tracking cooler-than-average temperatures with a possible afternoon shower this Thursday.
PORT CHARLOTTE Community grieves as investigation continues into fatal Port Charlotte fire The state fire marshal has yet to confirm whether 70-year-old Roseanne Cantasano was the victim of a devastating house fire on Monday night.
Local influencer reacts to potential TikTok ban TikTok is more than just a place to dance, learn something new or just scroll. For the Manella family, the app is a place where they can be themselves.
Protecting the Florida Panther from urban expansion The endangered Florida Panther is the king of the Everglades but new developments could rip apart their core territory.
Local Rabbi reacts to Israel and Hamas ceasefire agreement While the news of hostages being freed has brought relief, one local rabbi who has been speaking with WINK News since the war broke out expressed mixed feelings
Tiger dams in Collier County new defense system to stop flooding Collier County is now on board with a new defense system to stop flooding.
CAPE CORAL Plans for Cape Coral airport presented to City Council An airport in Cape Coral? The idea was presented to the city council on Wednesday as part of a broader report addressing the city’s rapid growth.
CAPE CORAL Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center gets new name and logo The Lake Kennedy Racquetball Center in Cape Coral is rebranding.
NAPLES Naples Pride Fest gets green light from City Council The Naples City Council voted to approve the permit for Naples Pride Fest at Cambier Park.
Former Lee supervisor of elections candidate calls for Sheriff Marceno to resign More fingers are pointing at Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.
NORTH FORT MYERS City of Fort Myers wants progress on submerged boats at Old Bridge Marina It has become a headache for many: boats left submerged at the Old Bridge Marina, next to the Edison Bridge.
Dementia risk factors unveiled Eating healthy and staying active can help keep your brain sharp, but did you know your family’s wealth may also affect your dementia risk?
Another chance at FEMA assistance If you applied for FEMA assistance after hurricanes Helene and Milton and are not happy with the answer they gave you, they are giving you another chance.
NAPLES Naples City Council names Gary L. Young as next city manager The Naples City Council unanimously voted to appoint Deputy City Manager and CFO Gary L. Young as the new city manager.
BONITA SPRINGS Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming to Bonita Springs Sugarshack, a haven for live music, food and community, coming soon to Downton Bonita Springs.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic and hereditary affliction where hemoglobin clumps together on one side of the red blood cell after releasing oxygen, causing the cell to sickle. The pain associated with the disease is so excruciating that people claim that the experience is akin to bones breaking in their body. A brother and sister afflicted with the disease are remarkably determined to live a full and meaningful life despite being in constant pain. Bianca and Chris Sylfroid greet their nurse Rachel Toa like a close friend, as the nurse has taken care of the two siblings for most of their lives. Rachel Toa, a clinical coordinator at Golisano Children’s Hospital, tracks more than 200 kids and young adults with sickle cell disease. “When I was younger, I knew it was more of a secret thing. I wanted it to be secret because, you know, people looked at me with pity, and I didn’t like that,” said Bianca Sylfroid. Both were born with sickle cell disease, believed to have been inherited from their parents. “It doesn’t stay in one spot. As far as it could start in the legs, then it’ll go to your back, your chest, your arms,” said Chris Sylfroid. The pain episodes can last for hours or even weeks, as the triggers can be attributed to just about anything. These pain episodes would cause the two to miss out on school, with one experience being so painful that doctors had to put one of the kids into a medically induced coma. Bianca had missed several months of school because of her medically induced coma, causing her to repeat the second grade at the time. Now, at 24, she receives monthly blood transfusions to lower her risk for complications. Those diagnosed with sickle cell disease are at a greater risk for serious lung conditions called acute chest syndrome, as well as organ damage and stroke. Toa told WINK News that the disease affects around 100,000 people in the U.S., with around 90% being black. “This disease is horrible, and these kids and adults live with pain daily,” said Toa. “They chronically have pain every day, they go to work, and they just kind of have to live with pain, and then eventually, you know, when it gets too much, then they seek out us, but every day, these people live with pain, and they’re amazing for what they go through on a daily basis.” Inspired by Toa, both Bianca and Chris are pursuing careers in nursing. Pediatrics for Bianca and phlebotomy for Chris. The only known cure for sickle cell disease is stem cell or bone marrow transplants, but these aren’t done often due to their significant risk.