Make A Difference
The main intention of this group is to instigate and rekindle the spirit of service in every citizen. We can continue with our day-to-day life and still can work for positive and progressive changes in our society. Encourage people to form as groups with friends and like minded people and work towards attainable goals.
NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING DEEP FROM YOUR HEART, YOU CAN DO IT. IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT MATTERS NOT WHERE YOU ARE OR WHERE THE PERSON IS.
Thalassemia
Thalessemia is a genetic disorder. People get it only by birth.There are three types of Thalessemia. : Minor, Intermediary and Major.
- Minor Thalessemia is just another condition. Those who are affected are called carriers. There will not be any symptoms. They are healthy and they behave normal.
- Intermediary Thalessemia is not a critical one. The affected people have to transfuse blood but not frequently.
- Thalessemia Major is severe. The affected ones need blood transfusion once in every 3 weeks all through the life. They need only fresh blood of 5 days. (They only require few components in blood). Also they have to undergo iron chelation process after every 15 transfusions.
How to eradicate?
We can eradicate the disease by not giving birth to Thalessemia Major kids.
How is it possible?
Youth must be responsible enough. They should go for a special blood test which shows whether they are carriers or not. (Obviously they are not major. Major symptoms can be found within 3 months to 2 years of the birth).
What if we found to be carriers?
When we decide to marry, we should find out whether the other person is also a carrier.
What if the other person is also a carrier?
If both the couple are carriers, there is 50% chance of Thalessemia Major kid in EVERY PREGNANCY.
When we marry, we should take responsibility to give birth to kids only if the kid is not a Thalessemia Major.
How do we know about the kid’s status?
When a woman conceives, she should go for a pre-natal test, after 15 weeks of pregnancy. If the foetus found out with the genetic disorder, it would be in the best interest of both the parents and the child to abort.
Is there any alternative to regular blood transfusion?
Bone Marrow Transplantation is the only alternative. But it involves lot of complications.
Can the Thalessemia Minor people donate blood to a normal person?
Yes. Absolutely. There would not be any problem at all. Thalessemia is a GENETIC DISORDER. It is only inherited by birth but not infected.
How much does the test cost?
We cannot find out whether a person is Thalessemia complaint or not by a normal blood test. A special test is required. It costs Rs. 650. If we gather more than 15 people and take the test at a time, we can undergo the test at Rs. 500.
Where in AP do we have the facilities to take this test?
The test requires special equipment. It is now with the Institute of Genetics. TSCS is going to have the equipment in its premises within 3 months.
How can we help Thalessemia and Sickle Cell Society?
We can help TSCS in three ways: 1. Creating awareness among the public. Educate and counsel people.
2. Help in raising funds
3. Trying to be a permanent donor to one Thalessemia Major kid.
Urgent Need:
1. Political Commitment 2. Medical Insurance Policies
What is the organization that takes care of this disease?
Address: Thalessemia and Sickle Cell Society, Tapadia Lifeline, Lake View Palace, 2nd Floor, Opp. Taj Banjara.
(4th building from Care Hospital – Airtel showroom is in downstairs)
The Society is open from 8 am to 8 pm.
Thalessemia@www
Everyone please visit the society at least once to see, talk to kids and their parents.
TMAD group facilitated a session on Thalassemia in Narayana Medical College, Nellore
Thalassemia Session in Nellore