World Thalassemia Day

Tomorrow, May 8th, is International Thalassemia Day. Children's Hospital Oakland has the largest Thalassemia Center in the United States, and is internationally recognized for its comprehensive care model and its leadership in thalassemia research.

The Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center has collaborated with national radio networks to highlight International Thalassemia Day -- including USA RADIO NETWORK (National), WJSS-AM (Baltimore), WXBR-AM (Boston), LET’S JUST TALK (Syndicated), NORTHERN NEWS NETWORK (Montana Statewide), WHCR-FM (New York) / KDEE-FM (Sacramento), NORTH CAROLINA NEWS NETWORK (North Carolina Statewide), WAMV-AM (Roanoke), WDIS-AM (Boston), WYYZ-AM (Atlanta), WWTR-AM (New York), AMERICAN URBAN RADIO NETWORK (National), KPQ-AM (Seattle), EASY 96 ONLINE, WFIN-AM (Toledo), IT’S YOUR HEALTH (Syndicated), National Vietnamese radio interview (with Children’s Hospital resident Dr. Mylinh Nguyen). 

We would like to thank Dr. Mylinh Nguyen for her important contribution in educating the Vietnamese physician and patient communities.

We appreciate your support for the 12th Annual Children's Hospital Oakland blood drive for Thalassemia, and UC Berkeley's Thalassemia Awareness Day.  The blood drive will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) from 8am to 1pm (as coordinated by Laurice Levine) in front of the Children's Hospital outpatient center.   

Soon, Children's Hospital Oakland in collaboration with BluebirdBio will be initiating experimental gene therapy for E Beta thalassemia.  We look forward to curing this disease and improving the lives of those affected. 

Elliott Vichinsky, M.D.

Director, Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center