THE BLOODLIFE PROJECT- save the life of a child with Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder, involving lower than normal amounts of oxygen carrying protein. It affects about 280 million people around the world. So what exactly happens if you have Thalassemia? Your haemoglobin counts become drastically low, leading to limited supply of oxygen to the body. In this battle your bones start getting deformed and weak, causing them to become brittle. Your heart and spleen become extremely weak and non-functional due to the excessive pumping and production of blood . In India alone, there are about 12,000 infants being born every year with this disorder. Their survival depends solely on the blood transfusions and various medications which they need to take once every 4-6 weeks, failure to which would lead to various complications resulting in death. The medical care involved with this disorder takes a toll on their physical, mental and financial capacities. With 22% of the Indian population officially below the poverty line and still a lot more struggling to make ends meet, it is definitely an extra burden to bear the financial expenses of this disorder.

Cross Blood Foundation has always made sure that no child suffers or dies due to lack of blood and medication. Therefore, Cross Blood Foundation, in collaboration with VHS ( voluntary health services)Hospital, Chennai provides medical treatment (which includes blood transfusion and medications based on the patient’s need) for children living with Thalassemia who are financially unstable. The medicines required for the treatment are acquired from The Thalassemia Welfare Association at a minimal rate by the organisation and are distributed to the beneficiaries free of cost. The expense for the treatment and transfusion are fully borne by the organisation. Moreover, the organisation frequently conducts blood donation camps in order to cater to the blood demands for these children. This medical assistance has had a great impact on the lives of these children and many of them have completed their education and have started pursuing careers of their choice without having to bear the medical expense of this genetic disease.

The free medical care provided to these children plays a major role in their life. Firstly, it is a fact that these children due to lack of funds and blood might not live to see another month. The medical assistance provided to these children liberates them from the financial burden and gives life to them, to their dreams and their hope of seeing a brighter tomorrow. The impact is not only on their physical health but also relieves them from the mental strain to find capital for the next month and also improves their quality of life.