Thalassemia is a Genetic & Preventable disorder. India is the thalassemia CAPITAL of the world. There are 6 crore of thalassemic carriers in the country (1/4th of our population). The lack of awareness and accepatence of the prevelance of disease is the society – is our BIGGEST Hurdle.Today- I am not gonna talk about how? why? Regarding thalassemia. Today, we are going to talk about how warriors have taught me valuable lessons of life.
Every warrior – with every transfusion has taught me that whatever is situation we are in There is always a reason to smile. I have seen warriors getting pricked multiple times sometimes and consoling the nurse that “It Happens, sister. See, There is a vein here ” They look at positive aspect of everything. Blood shortage – they make appeal for themselves and everyone need. Be any problem, they have a solution with a smile. Warriors NEVER take anything for granted – they simply express gratitude in their own simpler way for every miniscul l thing in the world. The only demand from their side is to be treated with Respect. “How are we Different ? ” is the question usually asked. Their gratitude extends from a pretty smile to the blood donor who has given them life for 21 days.
I have learned that even if you face the same problem everyday – you should face with firmness and fight it – learned to deal with it in your unique way. Every warrior from the time they start understanding the worldiness-they have explored the diagnosis of thalassemia. Every day from age of 6 months- they have lived – faced – fought Thalassemia. Sometimes – even with physical atrocities and mental fatigue, they unfold their wings of strength and hope. Fighting the same thing every second, minute with every cell of your existence and not letting it empower you – lesson learnt from a warrior.
Patience is a virtue . No one can prove it better than a thalassemia warrior. The wait for a blood bag after giving sample. The hopeful wait for serum ferritin to come down with strict adherence to treatment schedule. making every effort – to increase weight & height, maintaining Hb > 9.5 g% and annual list of several medical test. Be a Rebel. My Warriors were born in 80-90s. when they were born, most renowned doctors told their parents (who do not even know how to spell THa-la-sse-mia) that leave child alone and they wont live more than 5-6 years. But , my rebels chose their own path and carved it. They lived and now they are the inspiration to million others. Few are doctors, CAs, Lawyers, MBAians, Entrepeneurs, Actors – leading the torch of inspiration wherever they go. This Thalassemia day- I just want to thank each warrior whose path i have crossed in person or virtually.
Thank you for teaching me patience.
Thank you for teaching me how to smile in every situation.
Thank you for teaching me not to take anything for granted.
Thank you for making me stronger than my fears.
Thank you for teaching me the tactic to fight the same problem again and again.
Thank you for teaching me not to get frustrated – as that’s not even an option.
Thank you for making me realise – you can make your own mark with what you are.
I would not be the person I am today, if in this journey – I wouldn’t have met you.
Thank you .