Thriving with thalassemia.  That is our hope for all children born with this disease.  Transfusion dependent thalassemia is a genetic blood condition resulting in life threatening anemia. The current treatment for thalassemia is life long regular blood transfusions (every 2-4 weeks) along with daily iron chelation medications to address the side effects of the transfusions. With the standards of care, many children with thalassemia living around the world are expected to grow into old age.  However, in the area of our work, the current life expectancy is between 10-15 years of age primarily due to financial barriers with accessing adequate treatment. Some families are forced with the heart-wrenching decision to abandon the child in hopes of better treatment. Our belief is that no child should ever enter the orphanage system solely due to financial limitations restricting disease management. We are committed to partnering with the neediest of families to ensure proper medical treatment. The approximate cost per month (after insurance) for thalassemia treatment per child is $1300. Each blood transfusion costs between $147.-$295 and the cost of necessary chelation medications can reach over $1000 per month . Right now we have 24 families in urgent need of financial assistance to help with the cost of blood transfusions and medications.  After careful screening, we learned that these 24 families have monthly incomes of approximately $368. We would like to provide half the cost per month for each family to access appropriate medical care in order for the child with thalassemia to thrive.  We believe that this is possible.  Will you help us make this a reality? #thrivingwiththalassemia