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    Saving Lives

    One Houston family partners with UTHealth Houston to turn their tragedy into hope for others

    CultureMap Create
    Dec 19, 2022 | 12:30 pm

    Benjamin Bradford lived as if he knew his time was limited. The first of three sons born to Carol and Bruce Bradford, he grew up to become a loving older brother, a friend to many, and a hero to his father.

    Like his father, Benjamin never met a stranger. His two greatest passions were people and golf, and after graduating high school, he worked alongside Bruce at the family’s golf store in Katy, Texas.

    “Benjamin was coming into his own,” says Bruce. “He would move mountains to help family and friends, and I was so proud to watch him become successful in business and life.”

    Late one night in July 2012, a searing abdominal pain struck Benjamin. At the emergency room, doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause.

    His condition deteriorated until the following afternoon when his heart stopped beating. The 24-year-old could not be revived.

    The Bradfords learned Benjamin had suffered an aortic dissection: A deadly condition where the inner layer of the aorta, the main vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body, tears.

    Doctors suggested they contact The John Ritter Research Program in Aortic and Vascular Diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston to learn whether Benjamin’s condition was genetic.

    Led by Dianna M. Milewicz, MD, PhD, the President George H.W. Bush Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, this program is improving the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic aortic disease to prevent premature deaths like Benjamin’s. Patients see Milewicz at UT Physicians, where she works with other leading heart and vascular experts.

    “Dr. Milewicz and her team helped us navigate the most difficult time of our lives,” says Bruce. “Thanks to them, we found that Benjamin had a mutation in the ACTA2 gene, which caused his aortic dissection.”

    Milewicz and her research group discovered the majority of the inherited genes that cause a predisposition to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections, leading to better detection and treatment. Researchers around the world use her findings to identify at-risk individuals and prevent vascular disease deaths.

    Bruce, his wife, and their two remaining sons received genetic testing and cardiovascular imaging to search for thoracic aortic disease. While none of them had the ACTA2 gene mutation, doctors found that Bruce had an aortic aneurysm through imaging.

    “Had doctors not screened my aorta as a result of my son’s death, I almost certainly would have suffered an aortic dissection,” says Bruce. “With the sacrifice of his life, Benjamin alerted doctors to my condition and saved my life.”

    The Bradfords established Remembrin’ Benjamin, Inc., a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual golf tournament to support research at The John Ritter Research Program.

    Since the inaugural Remembrin’ Benjamin Golf Tournament in 2017, the event has raised more than $400,000 to support lifesaving research at UTHealth Houston. In 2022, the tournament included more than 120 players, volunteers, and donors. The next golf tournament will be held on July 17, 2023.

    Bruce, Benjamin, Carol, Austin, and Robert Bradford
      

    Photo courtesy of UTHealth Houston

    The Bradfords: (top, left-right) Bruce, Benjamin, Carol, (bottom, left-right) Austin, Robert.

    “My hope is that no other family has to suffer the heartbreak and loss that we did,” says Bruce.

    Learn more about how the renowned UTHealth Houston Heart and Vascular team is advancing cardiovascular medicine and collaborating to treat complex cases from every angle.

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    WEATHER WATCH

    Houston will have vivid sunsets and air quality issues from Saharan dust

    Brandon Watson
    Jun 30, 2025 | 11:00 am
    Silhouette of electricity pylon against orange sky,San Antonio,Texas,United States,USA
    Getty Images
    The Saharan dust cloud causes vibrant sunrises and sunsets.

    An annual meteorological phenomenon has blown in to make Houston's sunsets a little more spectacular. A huge Sahara Desert dust cloud made its way to the Houston area on June 29, bringing hazy skies. The bad news is that air quality might worsen; the good news is that locals can expect a week of Technicolor twilights.

    According to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the dust is caused by the 2.5-mile-thick Saharan Air Layer, which is associated with “warmth, dryness, and strong winds.” That has strong effects on weather patterns, including lessening the intensity of cyclones. ABC13 meteorologist Travis Herzog shared an image of the dust cloud on Threads.


      
     
    View on Threads


    But Saharan dust can also wreak havoc on health. The fine particulate matter can trigger symptoms for locals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Those sensitive to atmospheric irritation may experience sneezing, coughing, a scratchy throat, or shortness of breath. Some studies have even linked it with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that people with underlying conditions stay indoors during dust storms. The vibrant red, orange, and yellow skies can still be enjoyed with the comfort of air conditioning.

    The blast of cold air will be welcome to everyone as the Sahara dust can also cause some of the hottest days of the year. NOAA says that is because the thick cloud can stifle cooling afternoon thunderstorms.

    Still, Houstonians might want to step outside to snap a pic of the breathtaking skies. The vivid dusks and dawns are caused by the sun’s rays scattering the dust particles in the atmosphere. Sunrises and sunsets typically take on warmer hues as low-angle sunlight passes through the atmosphere, but the dust particles enhance the striking effect.

    National Weather Service forecasts say that this year’s cloud will only bring light concentrations with no major impacts on visibility. The phenomenon is expected to dissipate by the end of the week.

    sahara dusthealthmeteorologysunsetsair qualitysunrisesweather
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