It's World Thalassemia Day! Our RJZ has the most severe type of thalassemia called Beta Thalassemia Major. In Beta Thal Major, aka Cooley's Anemia, there is a complete lack of beta protein in the hemoglobin causing a life-threatening anemia that requires regular blood transfusions and extensive ongoing medical care. These lifelong blood transfusions lead to iron-overload which must be treated with chelation therapy to prevent early death from organ failure. (Which is why we are trying to get him home ASAP.)
To learn more about thalassemia, go to www.thalassemia.org.
Also, there is a CHANCE he could receive direct blood donations from family/friends. If you are interested in being a potential donor, PM me and we will share the info at the appropriate time. There are a lot of specifics to match, not just blood type. However, even if you can't donate for him- DONATE! Somebody needs that blood, I promise!
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