Thalassemia

Visit these blogs of families who have adopted children with thalassemia:

A Mountain Awaits
There’s No Place Like Home
Sing a Song of Six Kids
Linguine or Lomain
Crazy Life of the Wilks Family
It’s A Merciful Life
Bringing Home Logan
House of Payne


Thalassemia is the name of a group of genetic blood disorders prevalent in Southern China which impact the production of healthy red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying component of the red blood cells consisting of two different proteins, an alpha and a beta. If the body doesn’t produce enough of either of these two proteins, the red blood cells do not form properly and cannot carry sufficient oxygen. The result is chronic anemia that begins in early childhood and lasts throughout life. Thalassemia is a chronic medical condition, it is incurable at this time (although there is research being conducted), and it requires lifelong medical care (source).


 

Kate and CB


There are various types of thalassemia, which result in several degrees of severity and treatment modalities. The most severe form is Beta Thalassemia Major which requires scheduled blood transfusions every three weeks and daily medication to rid the body of excess iron deposits. For more information on the different types of thalassemia visit this site.

Children with thalassemia are bright, joyful, and a delightful addition to any family. They thrive and lead full lives. There is an extremely supportive community of adoptive parents of children with thalassemia in the US. They are a wealth of knowledge for anyone pursuing adopting a child with this special need.

The adoption of children with Thalassemia is vital. Treatment for thalassemia in China is difficult due to a severe blood shortage and the lack of essential medications. The life expectancy for these children if they remain institutionalized is very grim.


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Resources:
Cooley’s Anemia Foundation
Choosing Thalassemia
Rainbow Kids: Top Ten Questions Family Ask About Thalassemia
Yahoo! Group – Adopting Thalassemia
Yahoo! Group – Thalassemia Parents
Facebook Group – Parenting Thalassemia
About Thalassemia (video cartoon for kids)
Thalassemia Treatment Centers
Transfusions for Two: Crazy Life of the Wilks
All I Need: Daniel’s Story

Read blog posts about Thalassemia on No Hands But Ours.

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The content found on the No Hands But Ours website is not approved, endorsed, curated or edited by medical professionals. Consult a doctor with expertise in the special needs of interest to you.