Cooley's Anemia Foundation

06/05/2026

Could low zinc be affecting your health with thalassemia?
Watch the latest HRSA explainer video to learn the signs of zinc deficiency and practical nutrition tips.

06/04/2026

Next month will be our annual Thalassemia Patient-Family conference. ⁠
July 10–12 at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. ⁠
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This special weekend brings together patients, families, caregivers, and advocates for education, connection, support, and empowerment within the Thalassemia community. Whether attending in person or virtually, you'll have the opportunity to learn from experts, connect with others who share similar experiences, and celebrate the strength of our community!⁠
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We can't wait to come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections. ⁠
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06/03/2026

Care Walk 2026 is off to an exciting and successful start! ⁠PLEASE Register to help us keep the momentum going!! ⁠
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We want to thank our first wave of Care Walks this month and last, from New York, California, New Jersey, Colorado, Michigan, and DC! ⁠
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Teams include: Rad's Army, Connie's Crew, Doherty, DMV Thals, Vampy Gene Club, Team Yasmeen, the Colorado Thal Pals, & Mustang Sally

⁠(Not pictured: CAF California) ⁠
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CAF thanks our gold sponsors, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Agios Pharmaceuticals, for their support and participation in some of these walks!!

06/01/2026

Care Walk is CAF’s annual fundraising event and opportunity to bring together the Thalassemia community and its supporters around the country.
Funds raised support medical research to fight Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, as well as patient support services for Thalassemia patients across the country.

Please consider starting a Care Walk in your city or simply supporting a current walk at the link below:

bit.ly/CAFCareWalk26

Upcoming Walks include:

Arizona
Phoenix - 2035 E. Soft Wind Dr
October TBD

Illinois
Chicago - Horner Park
August 23 11:00 am

Illinois
Chicago - Burning Bush Brewery
August 23 at 11:00 am

Illinois
Lombard - Knolls Park Pavilion
September 13 at 9:00 am

New Jersey
Spring Lake - Boardwalk
August 15 (16 in case of rain)

New Jersey
Mountain Lakes - Birchwood Recreation Center
June 6

05/30/2026

The Painted Turtle is hosting Summer Camp for children ages 7 to 16 with blood disorders, including Thalassemia, July 23 to 27.

Registration deadline is June 25. Apply today!!

The Painted Turtle will also host Fall Family Weekend for children with thalassemia and their families, October 9 to 11.

For information and applications, visit the link below or contact [email protected]
Link: https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/campers-families/fall-family-weekend-thalassemia

CAF has limited travel support available for eligible families attending Fall Family Weekend.

Thank you to The Painted Turtle for supporting the thalassemia community.

05/29/2026

Our Thalassemia Warrior Jesse Marimat is helping CAF raise funds and awareness for Thalassemia by competing in an Ironman 70.3 relay. Jesse finds this challenge meaningful, considering iron overload is the primary complication of Alpha Thalassemia.

Our Thal Warriors are much more than their disease, and Jesse will continue to show that through his training!

Support Jesse's Thalassemia fundraiser here: https://fundraising.thalassemia.org/campaign/790145/donate

05/28/2026

🚨 AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR THAL PALS!!

Summer shortages are real, and blood donations are needed now more than ever!

The New York Blood Center reports that donations are down by 15%. We encourage everyone eligible to consider donating blood and helping patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions every day. Every Drop Counts!!

05/27/2026

New webinar on Bone Health in Thalassemia available to watch now!!

Learn about bone health in Thalassemia + long-term care strategies ...

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at CAF!

05/22/2026

Attending the California Thalassemia Care Walk this Sunday means you have a chance to get incredible art by our sweet thal pal Jade, and you do NOT want to miss that, right?!

If you cannot make it, please support California in its efforts to raise funds for a universal cure for Thalassemia here: https://fundraising.thalassemia.org/team/808396