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Charlotte Figi, Who Helped Popularize CBD for Medical Use, Dies at 13 Charlotte Figi, Who Helped Popularize CBD for Medical Use, Dies at 13
(about 1 hour later)
Charlotte Figi, whose use of cannabidiol, or CBD, to treat her epilepsy helped popularize its medicinal use, died on Tuesday. She was 13.Charlotte Figi, whose use of cannabidiol, or CBD, to treat her epilepsy helped popularize its medicinal use, died on Tuesday. She was 13.
Her death was confirmed by her parents, Paige and Steven Figi, who said the cause was most likely complications related to Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.Her death was confirmed by her parents, Paige and Steven Figi, who said the cause was most likely complications related to Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Charlotte became the face of the medicinal CBD movement when she was 5 years old, after it appeared that taking CBD eased the symptoms of her epilepsy.Charlotte became the face of the medicinal CBD movement when she was 5 years old, after it appeared that taking CBD eased the symptoms of her epilepsy.
She had her first seizure when she was 3 months old. Soon after, her parents were told that she had Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that starts in infancy.She had her first seizure when she was 3 months old. Soon after, her parents were told that she had Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that starts in infancy.
By age 5, Charlotte was having over 300 seizures a week, about one every 30 minutes, Ms. Figi said. Charlotte was in a wheelchair and used a feeding tube because she could not swallow, her mother said. On several occasions, she was resuscitated after her heart stopped.By age 5, Charlotte was having over 300 seizures a week, about one every 30 minutes, Ms. Figi said. Charlotte was in a wheelchair and used a feeding tube because she could not swallow, her mother said. On several occasions, she was resuscitated after her heart stopped.
The family tried dozens of medications but they did not work. “We were told by the doctor there was nothing left to try pharmaceutically,” Ms. Figi said.The family tried dozens of medications but they did not work. “We were told by the doctor there was nothing left to try pharmaceutically,” Ms. Figi said.
Ms. Figi began to research CBD, a nonintoxicating, nonpsychotropic compound found in cannabis. The cannabinoid was being used overseas to treat epileptic patients. She found a grower who agreed to grow the hemp needed to extract CBD oil for Charlotte.Ms. Figi began to research CBD, a nonintoxicating, nonpsychotropic compound found in cannabis. The cannabinoid was being used overseas to treat epileptic patients. She found a grower who agreed to grow the hemp needed to extract CBD oil for Charlotte.
“I didn’t think it was going to work,” Ms. Figi said.“I didn’t think it was going to work,” Ms. Figi said.
But it did. Charlotte did not have any seizures for seven days after starting the treatment, Ms. Figi said.But it did. Charlotte did not have any seizures for seven days after starting the treatment, Ms. Figi said.
“She started talking, making eye contact, walking, and we removed her feeding tube,” her mother said. The seizures were reduced to about one a month.“She started talking, making eye contact, walking, and we removed her feeding tube,” her mother said. The seizures were reduced to about one a month.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the chief medical correspondent on CNN, interviewed Charlotte for his 2013 documentary special “Weed,” and later advocated the use of CBD to treat epilepsy.Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the chief medical correspondent on CNN, interviewed Charlotte for his 2013 documentary special “Weed,” and later advocated the use of CBD to treat epilepsy.
Charlotte’s story made national headlines, and soon other epileptic patients followed her lead. Many saw similar results, Ms. Figi said.Charlotte’s story made national headlines, and soon other epileptic patients followed her lead. Many saw similar results, Ms. Figi said.
In 2011, Charlotte’s Web CBD was founded by Joel Stanley, the hemp grower who helped Charlotte. The company was named after her.In 2011, Charlotte’s Web CBD was founded by Joel Stanley, the hemp grower who helped Charlotte. The company was named after her.
“What began as her story, became the shared story of hundreds of thousands,” Mr. Stanley wrote on the company’s Facebook page. “Her story built communities, her need built hope, and her legacy will continue to build harmony.”“What began as her story, became the shared story of hundreds of thousands,” Mr. Stanley wrote on the company’s Facebook page. “Her story built communities, her need built hope, and her legacy will continue to build harmony.”
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved a cannabidiol medication, Epidiolex, to treat the seizures caused by Dravet syndrome. It was the first drug to be approved by the F.D.A. for the condition.In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved a cannabidiol medication, Epidiolex, to treat the seizures caused by Dravet syndrome. It was the first drug to be approved by the F.D.A. for the condition.
Ms. Figi said the members of her family experienced an illness in early March that she believes was Covid-19, but they did not meet the requirements to be tested.Ms. Figi said the members of her family experienced an illness in early March that she believes was Covid-19, but they did not meet the requirements to be tested.
“I’ve never been that sick in my entire life,” Ms. Figi said on Thursday. “We are a very healthy family.”“I’ve never been that sick in my entire life,” Ms. Figi said on Thursday. “We are a very healthy family.”
While the rest of the family was recuperating, Charlotte’s condition worsened and she was taken to Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs on April 3, her mother said. Charlotte tested negative for the virus and was discharged two days later.While the rest of the family was recuperating, Charlotte’s condition worsened and she was taken to Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs on April 3, her mother said. Charlotte tested negative for the virus and was discharged two days later.
On Monday, Ms. Figi said, Charlotte was feeling better. She painted Charlotte’s toenails and they sat in the sun for a while. But early Tuesday morning, Charlotte had a seizure and became nonresponsive, her mother said.On Monday, Ms. Figi said, Charlotte was feeling better. She painted Charlotte’s toenails and they sat in the sun for a while. But early Tuesday morning, Charlotte had a seizure and became nonresponsive, her mother said.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated May 28, 2020
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
“It was the last moment she was alive, I feel,” she said.“It was the last moment she was alive, I feel,” she said.
Charlotte was resuscitated by paramedics and rushed to the hospital. She had a seizure that led to her going into cardiac arrest, her mother said.Charlotte was resuscitated by paramedics and rushed to the hospital. She had a seizure that led to her going into cardiac arrest, her mother said.
Ms. Figi said that Charlotte’s test for the coronavirus came a month too late. (False negatives are a known problem with the current coronavirus tests.)Ms. Figi said that Charlotte’s test for the coronavirus came a month too late. (False negatives are a known problem with the current coronavirus tests.)
In addition to her parents, Charlotte is survived by her twin sister, Chase; her brother, Maxwell, 16; and her mother’s husband, Greg Iafeliece.In addition to her parents, Charlotte is survived by her twin sister, Chase; her brother, Maxwell, 16; and her mother’s husband, Greg Iafeliece.
For nine years, thanks to CBD, Charlotte had the opportunity to live a life with a close resemblance to that of any young girl, her mother said.For nine years, thanks to CBD, Charlotte had the opportunity to live a life with a close resemblance to that of any young girl, her mother said.
Charlotte was adventurous. She liked to hike and ride on the front of a tandem bike with her mother, and she enjoyed riding horses with her sister. But what was most important, Ms. Figi said, is that Charlotte was oblivious to the movement she started.Charlotte was adventurous. She liked to hike and ride on the front of a tandem bike with her mother, and she enjoyed riding horses with her sister. But what was most important, Ms. Figi said, is that Charlotte was oblivious to the movement she started.
“She found incredible resolution from cannabis but she didn’t know,” Ms. Figi said. “She had a good life.”“She found incredible resolution from cannabis but she didn’t know,” Ms. Figi said. “She had a good life.”