In part two of their myth-busting series, NinaMaria Badalamenti and Dr. Kevin Kuo continue to break down common misconceptions about thalassemia. They discuss the risks and complications for both alpha and beta thalassemia, the importance of individualized care, and why physical activity is encouraged for people living with the condition. The episode also covers genetic inheritance, the realities of transfusion schedules, and the need for patients to advocate for themselves. Tune in for practical insights and empowering advice for the thalassemia community!

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

In this episode of Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution, hosts NinaMaria Badalamenti and Dr. Kevin Kuo tackle common myths and misconceptions about thalassemia. They discuss the importance of communicating symptoms like fatigue to healthcare providers, the complex relationship between hemoglobin levels and how patients feel, and the realities of iron overload for both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent individuals. The episode also explains why ferritin isn't the only important measure of iron overload and uses memorable analogies to make these concepts clear. Tune in for part one of this myth-busting series and get ready for more insights in the next episode!

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

Hematologist Dr. Arielle Langer joins host NinaMaria Badalamenti to unpack fertility, pregnancy, and family planning for people with thalassemia. From timing and iron control to genetic counseling, birth control options, and postpartum care, this episode offers practical, clear guidance for every stage of the journey.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

In this powerful Arabic-language episode, Dr. Sherif Badawy shares his journey from Egypt to the U.S., his lifelong passion for thalassemia care, and the silent weight of stigma families often carry alone.

From gene therapies to community education, this one's about more than medicine—it's about connection.

A must-listen for anyone impacted by thalassemia or passionate about rare disease advocacy.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

In this episode of Thal Pals, NinaMaria speaks with nurse practitioner Melony Avella-Howell about the challenges and solutions in transitioning from pediatric to adult care for patients with chronic illnesses like thalassemia and sickle cell disease. They discuss the importance of community support groups, tailored transition programs, and the roles of providers in helping young adults navigate this vulnerable period. Melony shares insights from her experience in hematology, emphasizing the need for individualized care plans and proactive patient advocacy. Together, they highlight the significance of addressing both medical and life challenges to ensure comprehensive care.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

On this episode NinaMaria talks with influential leaders of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation (CAF). Guests Bob Ficarra, Craig Butler, and Ralph Colasanti discuss the foundation's 70-year history, advocacy efforts, and pivotal role in advancing research and patient care for thalassemia. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of patient involvement, global outreach, and ongoing initiatives such as gene therapy and the annual CAF conference. Join us as we explore how CAF continues to impact patients' lives through comprehensive support and a strong sense of community.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

On this episode of Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution, patient advocate NinaMaria discusses the cultural stigmas surrounding thalassemia with three guests, Ralph Colasanti, Radhika Sawh, and Erick Phyakeo. Each shares their personal experiences with the condition and the cultural barriers they have faced and overcome. The conversation highlights the importance of community, connection, and empowerment among Thal patients, aiming to break down stigmas and encourage others to share their stories.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.

On this episode of Thal Pals, host NinaMaria talks with Maria Saradpan about her experiences as a caregiver to her daughter Camila, who has thalassemia. Maria shares her journey from initial fear and isolation to finding a supportive community and growing relationships with fellow caregivers and patients. The importance of a strong caregiver network, blood donations, and positive experiences at the hospital are highlighted. The episode also features Camila and her sister Mikayla discussing their unique bond and experiences with thalassemia.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by thalassemia. Each episode strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the thalassemia community. Learn more about thalassemia by visiting RethinkThalassemia.com. Join an inclusive community and build connections with other hemolytic anemia allies by following @AllyVoicesRising on Instagram. Thal Pals is sponsored by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more.

This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Host and guest featured in this episode have been compensated for their time.