Meet Karolina Araskiewicz, active senior at UMASS – Amherst. Karolina is actually entering her fifth year at UMASS, having spent a year in Spain, and is majoring in Sports Management. What you may not know about this vivacious young lady is that she has inherited a genetic blood disorder called Thalassemia Major.

Thallassemia Major
Thalassemia Major, also referred to as Cooley’s Anemia, is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin, a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body. Approximately 100,000 babies worldwide are born with severe forms of Thalassemia each year. Most children with Thalassemia Major appear healthy at birth, but soon become pale, listless and fussy, with poor appetites and yellowing of the skin.

A Blood Recipient For 21 Years!
Karolina soon developed these same indicators. The symptoms are caused by genetic mutations in the hemoglobin molecule which produce severe anemia in the patient. Thalassemia Major, the most severe form of the disease, is quite serious and, without treatment, can be life-threatening. Fortunately for Karolina, blood donors have been helping her not only survive, but thrive. When children with Thalassemia Major are treated with frequent transfusions aimed at keeping their hemoglobin levels near normal, many of the complications of this disease can be prevented. Karolina has been receiving blood transfusions from caring, volunteer donors, once a month for the past 21 years! Such a regular infusion of blood also has the effect of building up too much iron in the body, which could damage the heart, liver and other organs. Karolina must also be sure to take an injection of a drug known as an iron chelator, or iron binding agent, to help rid her body of the excess iron.

Karolina says she can always tell when it’s time for her next monthly transfusion at UMASS-Worcester because she starts getting tired and easily winded from mild exertion. A simple blood test will determine exactly how much blood she will need each month – usually between two and four units.

A World Of Difference
The transfusions make a world of difference. “It’s amazing how much energy I get! The color comes back in my cheeks and I can actually go for a run after.” Thanks to dedicated blood donors, Karolina has the opportunity to lead a typical student’s life at school. “I lead the most normal life I can. I have tons of friends and love to socialize.” A self-described hard core Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots fan, she has the energy and strength to root for the home teams.

Although Karolina takes the constant transfusions in stride, she doesn’t take them for granted. This appreciative co-ed is grateful for the people who have donated blood for her over the past 21 years. “Thank you. I’m living a normal life because of you. When people think about giving blood they often think about accidents, but there are people who need it to maintain a normal life and not be deprived of anything. You don’t know how much you can affect someone’s life without even knowing it by donating blood.”

Hoping For A Cure
Scientists are seeking to develop an effective form of gene therapy that may someday offer a cure for Thalassemia. In the meantime, blood donors will continue to be the life support for people with this little known blood disorder.

Red Cross blood donors help patients just like Karolina in cities and towns throughout New England and across the United States. Please….give blood. Together, we can save a life.

Patient Stories