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Now in its 4th year, CAF's Care Walk raises funds for the Foundation’s medical research, patient service and public education programs.
Unlike a traditional walk-a-thon, in which thousands of people gather in one place for a concentrated mass event, the Care Walk is a series of walks held across the nation.
The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation (CAF), the country’s only non-profit organization dedicated solely to battling the genetic blood disorder thalassemia (a.k.a. Cooley’s anemia) has announced that a special Care Walk walk-a-thon will be held Mt. Pisgah State Park in West Burlington Township on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 2:00PM.
Now in its 4th year, CAF's Care Walk raises funds for the Foundation’s medical research, patient service and public education programs.
Unlike a traditional walk-a-thon, in which thousands of people gather in one place for a concentrated mass event, the Care Walk is a series of walks held across the nation. Each individual who registers for a Care Walk can decide where he or she wants to walk on May 3 and for how long.
The Mt. Pisgah Care Walk, which will start at the beautiful Mt. Pisgah State Park, is being organized by Anthony Deitrick, who is the devoted big brother to Madison and MaeLeigh Deitrick who both live with thalassemia. “The Care Walk is a unique idea that enables people to schedule a walk that fits their schedule,” says Anthony. “This convenience means more people can participate and help all those who must meet the many challenges of living with thalassemia.”Children born with the severe form of thalassemia require lifelong blood transfusions as often as every two weeks, starting in infancy. They must also undergo a difficult daily treatment which for many involves sticking a needle in the stomach and pumping in a drug for 8-12 hours every night or ingesting medication dissolved into 4 ounces of liquid.
In addition, complications such as diabetes, osteoporosis (beginning in teen-age years), pulmonary hypertension and hepatitis are common. Although there have been promising advances in gene therapy in recent years, a cure is still being sought. Individuals who wish to participate in the Care Walk at Mt. Pisgah State Park should contact Anthony, or his Mom, Jill at (570)297-4709 or register online at https://bos.etapestry.com/fundraiser/CooleysAnemiaFoundation/carewalk2015/team.do?participationRef=603.0.104592452. Donations are also gladly accepted online.
Join Team M&M in their fight against thalassemia and enjoy an afternoon at the beautiful Mt. Pisgah State Park for a great cause. Individuals interested in learning more about Care Walks or who wish to register for a Walk of their own should contact Mary Woldegiorgis at CAF at (212) 279-8090 x 208 or simply register online at HYPERLINK "http://www.thalassemia.org/2014carewalk" http://www.thalassemia.org/CareWalk2015.
A list of organized Walks can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.thalassemia.org/2014-care-walk-locations" http://www.thalassemia.org/care-walk-2015-locations.