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DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Preston, a 15-year-old sophomore at Downingtown East High School, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Jan. 15, 2025. His family is trying to raise $45,000 so he can receive Stem Cell Educator Therapy from Throne Biotechnologies in Paramus, N.J., before his eligibility window closes on Jan. 15, 2027. They are aiming to reach the goal by Jan. 1, and had raised $2,770 at last report.

The procedure costs $39,000, with the remainder covering travel, lodging, child care and lost wages; a $5,000 deposit secures a spot. The therapy runs a patient's white blood cells through a device containing cord blood-derived stem cells before returning them to the body, with the aim of correcting the immune response behind Type 1 diabetes. It is being studied in an FDA-authorized trial and holds a designation meant to speed development, but it is not FDA-approved, and early study results reported by the company do not predict individual outcomes.

The family learned about the treatment from a friend's family whose child underwent it in August and reported reduced insulin use. Preston's mother says they understand there are no guarantees but want him to have the chance at a life less ruled by constant monitoring, injections and worry.
Full Story: MyChesco.com

WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Department of Emergency Services is recruiting Safety and Security Operators for both full- and part-time roles. Operators provide security at county facilities, guarding against fire, theft and illegal entry while keeping employees and visitors safe.

Part-time positions are available on first, second and third shifts, offering flexibility for applicants with varied schedules. Full-time positions are open on second and third shifts and come with the county's benefits package, outlined at chesco.org/benefits. Interested applicants can apply at chesco.org/safety-jobs.

THORNDALE, PA — Caln residents are invited to the Thorndale Fire Company's open house next Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening offers a behind-the-scenes look at the firehouse and a chance to learn how local firefighters serve the community.

Planned activities include a touch-a-truck session, fire extinguisher games and a meet-and-greet with Sparky the Fire Dog, along with other family-friendly attractions. The event is a good opportunity for children and adults to meet the people who respond when emergencies strike close to home.

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY — The West Chester University Symphony Orchestra launches its 2026-27 season on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 700 S. High St. The concert is free and open to the public, with a livestream available at vimeo.com/wsom.

Conducted by Paul Bryan, WCUSO Celebrates America features music by Elmer Bernstein, John Williams and Samuel Barber, as well as the East Coast premiere of Our America by School of Music faculty member Ovidiu Marinescu, with faculty trumpeter Robert Skoniczin as soloist. The program ends with Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait, which pairs orchestral music with Lincoln's own words. University President Laurie Bernotsky narrates, reprising her role from the September Concert on the Quad. The program can be viewed at issuu.com/wsom.

Upcoming local events…

West Bradford Township Impact Fee Advisory Council - Sept 30, 7pm-9pm

WCU Orchestra Season Opener (WCU) - Oct 2, 7:30pm

Uwchlan Twp Dumpster Day - Oct 3, 8am-12pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Oct 3, 9am-1pm

Annual Chicken BBQ - Cpl Brandon Hardy, Chester County Detachment #286 - Oct 3, 12pm-5pm

Downingtown Fall Fest - Oct 4, 11am-4pm

East Brandywine Fall Festival - Oct 4, 12pm-3pm

Historical Talk on Anna Nutt (Warwick Park) - Oct 4, 2pm-3pm

Thorndale Fire Co Open House (Caln twp) - Oct 5, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Alert Fire Co. No. 1 Open House - Oct 7, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Glen Moore Fire Company Open House - Oct 7, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Friends of Chester County Library Fall Book Sale (Exton) - Oct 9-11

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Oct 10, 9am-1pm

Caln Clean-up Crew (Embreeville rd) - Oct 10, 10am-12pm

West Bradford Family Fall Fest (Broad Run Park) - Oct 10, 4pm-7pm

Friends of Hibernia Mansion Mystery (Hibernia Park) - Oct 16th, 5pm-7pm | Oct 17th, 3pm-6pm

Origins: The Lenape, William Penn, and the Colonialists (East Brandywine) - Oct 18, 3pm

Upper Uwchlan Trunk or Treat (Pickering Valley ES) - Oct 24, 3pm-5pm

Monsters, Masks and Milkweed (Exton) - Oct 25, 1pm-3pm

Catch up on previous issues…

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