I need to write something better than just this, but I did want to pass on the word that May 8th is World Thalassemia Day. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder where the red blood cells are too small and cannot carry the oxygen needed by the body.
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2014/5/8/60-World-thalassemia-Day-May-8-Situation-alarming-due-to-low-awareness-.html
http://thefrontierpost.com/article/170450/World-Thalassemia-Day-to-be-observed-today/
I have linked two news articles about World Thalassemia Day above. Below is a YouTube video entitled
"Love and Needles"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40_pq3dK1uw
It may seem that this is a blood disease that is far away in countries you will never visit, but it is prevalent in the Western World as well and is probably more dangerous here than in countries such as India and Pakistan. Why would I say that? It is because we do not seem to take the condition seriously here as we do not think it happens here. In countries where it is more common, there are programs to educate and provide assistance to those with the condition and their families. Here, children might be tested at birth by the hospital for various birth conditions, but Thalassemia in all its variations may not be required and the parents still might not be notified of the results.
There are many variations of this blood condition and different levels, all needing to be monitored. This isn't a death sentence for everyone that is diagnosed, but with diet and monitoring, life quality can be greatly increased.
Love to you all and please contact me if you have any questions or comments. This is just off the top of my head and quickly written to make it by May 8th. I would like to write more about this and can answer some of your questions and would love to hear anyone's personal experiences or knowledge.
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