Thalassemia Foundation of Canada
The mission of the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada is to support and fund thalassemia scientific research, treatment, patient services, public awareness and education. Established in 1982, our foundation originally began as a small support group for parents and patients. Over the years, we have grown to a national organization with the support of dedicated volunteers and donors.
Support Our Research
Help us fund innovative research and improve the lives of those affected by thalassemia. Join our cause today!
Research
Funded in research over the past 40 years.
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Dollars
Volunteers
Combined time contributed each year across all volunteers to programs and advocacy.
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Total Hours Per Year
Advocacy
Advocated for comprehensive care and equitable access to treatment.
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% Commitment
What’s New
Stay updated with our latest news, events, and research developments
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35th Annual Valentine’s Gala
Our 35th Annual Valentine’s Dinner and Dance will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Montecassino Woodbridge.
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Giving Tuesday is coming — together, we give hope
Giving Tuesday is coming — together, we give hope
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Access to Casgevy in Canada getting closer
In July 2025, the negotiation process between Vertex and pCPA became active. This is one…
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2025 Newsletter & Updates
08/18/2025 – Let’s Make A Difference: Upcoming Events & Initiatives 08/08/2025 – Register For Our 27th Annual…
Events Calendar
See what’s coming up — click any highlighted day for details.
Community Growth
Highlighting personal experiences can be a powerful way to advocate for change. Sharing dynamic visuals or compelling stories – such as a day in the life of a thalassemia patient and their family – can highlight the key challenges they face and inspire positive changes in treatment and care.
By showcasing these lived experiences, we can:
- Highlight Challenges
- Build Empathy
- Drive Action
We can connect with patients or guardians, have meaningful conversations about improving the lives of those with thalassemia.
Interested Applicants – Complete the form
Patient Stories
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Bessie Calabria: A Life Touched by Thousands of Blood Donors
Bessie Calabria has lived her entire life with thalassemia, a rare inherited blood disorder that requires her to receive monthly blood transfusions. Over the years, she has depended on more than 2,000 blood donations, and each transfusion remains deeply meaningful to her. Seeing the bags of blood prepared for her care is a powerful reminder…
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Meet Angelina: “I embraced my treatment because I knew it would make me feel better. And it did.”
Story
Meet Angelina: “I embraced my treatment because I knew it would make me feel better. And it did.”
Living With Thalassemia Angelina was diagnosed with thalassemia at the age of 2, when her mother took her to the hospital after she fainted at home. “That’s when my parents first became aware of my illness,” explains Angelina. Over the next several years Angelina was re-admitted to hospital numerous times, finally seeing a specialist when…
Our Impact in Photos
Capturing moments from our events, activities, and community impact
Want to see more photos from our events and activities?