WAMU 88.5 : Metro Connection

Filed Under:

In Treatment and Under Pressure

By: Courtney Collins // August 5, 2011
Play associated audio
comments
Brennen and his mom, Robinette Todd, have been through a lot together.
Courtney Collins
Brennen and his mom, Robinette Todd, have been through a lot together.

A Virginia woman is feeling the heat as she fights to get treatment for her four-year-old son, who has a rare form of brain cancer.  Brennen's condition only responds to expensive proton radiation, but his mom was just laid off and lost her insurance.  Now she's considering leaving the state to accept another position because she's so desperate to have benefits again. Courtney Collins talks with the family about how they're coping.

[Music: "Fire and Rain" by Various Artists from Country Road: An Acoustic Tribute to James Taylor]

If you would like to help, please contact: Sunset Hills Baptist Church 3500 Franconia Rd. Alexandria, VA 22310 703-960-3366

Arts & Culture

NPR

HBCU President Asks Dr. Dre, Why Not Us?

Hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre and music producer Jimmy Iovine recently donated $70 million to the University of Southern California. Many people are applauding their generosity, but some aren't so happy. Host Michel Martin speaks with Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University, about why he thinks an HBCU should have gotten the money.

Food

NPR

Canned Peaches Are As Nutritious As Fresh. Really?

What's more, when it comes to some nutrients, like vitamin C, canned peaches pack an even bigger punch than fresh, researchers say. The reasons have to do with how the canning process alters the fruit's cell walls. So eat 'em up!

Politics

NPR

CBC Chair Marcia Fudge Wants Caucus To Be Heard On The Hill

Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge is still relatively new on the block. But she's established herself as the new head of the Congressional Black Congress. In the role, she's already been very vocal about whether the President is doing enough for people of color. Host Michel Martin talks with Congresswomen Fudge about her ideas for America.

Technology

NPR

How That 'Nigerian Email Scam' Got Started

You've probably seen it in your inbox before: Someone who claims to have come into a fortune needs your help. You can share in the profits — if you send along a deposit or your bank account number. Boston Globe correspondent Finn Brunton talks about the history of the "Nigerian prince" or "419" scam, which actually got its start long before email.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.