Save lives of Children with Thalassemia

Dear Donors, Assalam-o-Alaikum. 

I hope you have a good day, and I am sure reading this report will make your day brighter and happier.

Today's report is unique in many instances and tells the tale of a brave young boy caught amid a life-threatening crisis from day 1 of his life. Let's read this inspiring story in his own words.

Hello, I am Hassan, the first patient in the Al-Mustafa Thalassaemia Unit at Al Mustafa Hospital. 

"I don't remember when I was diagnosed with Beta Thalassemia Major (also known as Cooley's Anaemia), but my parents told me I was around one year old," said Hassan.

Talking about his treatment and current state of health, he said:

"I've been under treatment for as long as I can remember. Every three weeks, I receive a blood transfusion to maintain my level of healthy red blood cells.

"Another part of the treatment involves taking Iron Chelation medications to treat iron overload, which results from the transfusions. From infancy until the end of middle school, I had to inject a drug called deferoxamine into my body four times a week. These infusions would take about eight hours for full administration. I think you can imagine how painful, exhausting and tedious it could be for a child."

"Thankfully, things have changed now. Instead of daily injections, I take a new oral medicine called deferasirox that I can take every night. It is hassle-free and makes my schedule much more flexible. I am thankful treatment is becoming more manageable for people with thalassemia."

I am 23 years old and work as a team member in the same Al-Mustafa Thalassaemia Unit at (AL MUSTAFA HOSPITAL). It gives me both happiness and a sense of satisfaction that I can give back to the organization and the Thalassemia community.

 "In the future, I would like to educate and give awareness to other patients who suffer from thalassemia," says Hassan. Hassan also volunteers time to get involved in Al-Mustafa Welfare Society's charitable activities and considers it his mother organization.

"Maintaining my treatment routine is my top priority. It can be challenging at times, but it's worth it. The future looks bright, and I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to give back to the thalassemia community."