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UNICO plans walk for Cooley's Anemia May 6

April 29, 2017

Members of UNICO-Delaware District 1 are planning a second annual Cooley’s Anemia Awareness Symposium and Walk-a-thon, beginning with a lunch at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 6, at St. Edmond Education Center on King Charles Avenue in Reboboth Beach. Cooley's Anemia (thalassemia) is an inherited genetic blood disease that results in failure to produce sufficient hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of blood cells.

The program will begin with a medical explanation of this illness by Joan Borask,i RN, and Nicole Meringolo, RN, members of local UNICO chapters. Ralph Colasanti, a representative from the nonprofit National Thalassemia Foundation and a Cooley's Anemia victim, will speak about current research and achievement in treatments. With the luncheon and walk on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, UNICO members seek to make the public aware of the great need for financial aid for this program. Bone marrow transplants and gene therapy procedures, while still experimental, suggest that a cure for thalassemia may one day be perfected.

Cost to attend is $25 per person, all of which goes to the Thalassemia Foundation. Sponsors or groups donating $100 or more will receive special recognition.

For more information or to register, email unicodelawaredistrict1@gmail.com, or call 302-226-0620.

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