The MR Foundation for the Prevention
of Thalassemia
The Meenakshi Ritika Foundation is dedicated to educating and raising awareness for Thalassemia in India. Our focus is on the youth of India and South East Asians worldwide. We are committed to organizing events, facilitating volunteer sign-ups, and requesting donations to support our cause. Additionally, we aim to share valuable educational resources on Thalassemia and provide news and updates about our work.
What is Thalassemia
It Is An inherited genetic blood disorder- when both parents carry the gene, then there is a 25% chance the child will have thalassemia major.
Thalassemia can be classified into two main types:
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Thalassemia Minor: carriers of the gene who typically show no symptoms.
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Thalassemia Major: carriers who demonstrate severe symptoms and require lifelong medical attention, including monthly blood transfusions and regular iron chelation treatments.
What is Thalassemia Major?
Thalassemia Major is characterised by the body’s inability to produce enough healthy haemoglobin. Low haemoglobin levels hinder the necessary flow of oxygen through the body, inhibiting basic functions and potentially being fatal if untreated.
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Patients with Thalassemia Major require lifelong treatment, including blood transfusions and medication, which can increase their risk of iron overload, weakened immunity, and cause other complications like diabetes. This is a huge emotional and financial strain on families of the patients.
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While blood transfusions can extend survival, BMT is the only cure and comes with its own challenges -high expense, limited access, matching donor.
7 Facts about Thalassemia
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The Thalassemia Carrier Test
HPLC A simple blood test, called HPLC, is all that is needed to determine the carrier status of an unborn child. The test is available at most mainline laboratories. This test is especially important for individuals planning a family, as it can also diagnose other haemoglobin-related abnormalities like sickle cell haemoglobin and other rare disorders. Couples planning to have children should take a routine blood test to assess the risk of their child being born with Thalassemia Major.