"Thalassemia, Love and Needles"

A Day in the Life of Thalassemia Patient

Cooley's Anemia, also known as Thalassemia, is a fatal genetic blood disorder which affects people of Mediterranean descent. Today, in order to survive, children must receive blood transfusions every two weeks and receive painful drug injections via an infusion pump every night of their lives.

In its major form Cooley's Anemia is fatal. Over two million people in the United States are carriers of the minor form and do not even know it. The bad news is that these people are at risk in passing along the major form if they have children. The good news is that finally a cure is in sight.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation released a documentary short that captures a young boy's daily battle against Thalassemia, a rare blood disorder that primarily affects, but is not limited to, individuals of Mediterranean descent, announced AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation Chair Fanoula Gulas.

"Thalassemia, Love and Needles" is a five-minute video that profiles the life of Alex Gulas, who suffers from Thalassemia, also known as Cooley's Anemia. The viewer walks in the shoes of Alex as he undergoes medical treatment and blood transfusions all of which are essential to his survival.

"The documentary's purpose is to raise the level of awareness about this potentially fatal blood disorder by chronicling what a person must endure on a daily basis to survive," said Gulas, who is Alex's mother. "Obviously, our goal is to find a cure by supporting the scientific work of medical researchers working diligently to find one. We can only accomplish our goal with the community's assistance and support of medical research."

"Thalassemia, Love and Needles" is directed by George Carlos of Birmingham, Ala.

"We encourage you to share the documentary with family, friends, and colleagues to help us meet our mission," said Gulas. "We ask you keep the AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation in your mind in the course of your charitable giving

AHEPA headquarters encourages all AHEPA Family chapters to reaffirm their commitment to finding a cure for Cooley's Anemia. Donations to help find a cure for Cooley's Anemia can be made online by visiting www.ahepaonline.com/contribute.aspx.