ThinkTek’s Post

🌟 **World Sickle Cell Awareness Day: Hope Through Progress** 🌍 Today, June 19, we stand together to raise awareness about **Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)**. 💙 🔍 **What is SCD?** SCD is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become rigid and crescent-shaped, causing pain, organ damage, and other complications. But there's hope! Advances in care are making a difference. 💪 🌱 **HemotypeSC: A Lifesaver** Meet HemotypeSC—a small, unassuming test strip that packs a powerful punch. At just 7.5mm long, it's a game-changer. This tiny device detects sickle cell disease and trait, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes. 🩸 🌎 **Get Involved** Join the movement! Share this post, spread awareness, and support Sickle Forward charity project by donating here https://lnkd.in/gm6RWFp6 Together, we can make a difference. 💙 #WorldSickleCellDay #SCDawareness #HemoTypeSC #gruzdev

Well done to the Sickle Cell team who were plotted in the main foyer at DVH on Wednesday 27 September to talk to staff and patients to increase awareness about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.  What is sickle cell? Sickle cell is a life threatening blood disorder that mainly affects people with a Black African or Black Caribbean background. It affects the development of red blood cells, causing them to be sickle shaped. These cells can clump together causing extreme pain know as a 'crisis'. These crises can cause stroke, blindness and organ failure. __________ Why we need more giving types from Black communities: Many people living with sickle cell require a blood transfusion every 4-6 weeks to make them feel well. When they receive blood from a donor with the same ethnicity as them, it provides the best possible treatment. Currently only 50% of blood transfusions given to people with sickle cell are not the best possible match and demand from hospitals is growing. This is why we need more donors from Black African and Black Caribbean backgrounds. __________ How you can help: Donating blood is safe and easy. Please click the link to learn more - https://lnkd.in/eDrAgyX6

World Rare Disease Day is observed every year on the last day of February (28 February or 29 February during leap years). This year, the US Connect coincides with Rare Disease Day, and PHUSE are fundraising for Cure Mito Foundation. Join us on Wednesday 28, the final day of the event, for a Panel Discussion titled ‘Are We There Yet? Rare Disease Clinical Trials’. Attendees will learn about the challenges in rare disease trials, including innovative statistics, research and development initiatives, patient and caregiver advocacy, and adopting cost-effective technologies and strategies. You can find out more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eXuXUyd9. Cure Mito is a nonprofit patient advocacy organisation led by parents who volunteer their time to change the future for families affected by Leigh syndrome – a debilitating neurodegenerative mitochondrial disease, impacting 1 in 40,000 people and caused by over 110 genes in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA. By donating, you will be directly contributing to supporting families, promoting awareness and education, and development of treatments and potential cures for those affected by Leigh syndrome and mitochondrial disease. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so here: https://lnkd.in/eFvwfrdk #PHUSE

As we approach NF2 Awareness Day on May 22, it’s heartwarming to see the efforts to raise awareness and support research for this condition. Real people affected by NF2 are sharing their journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face, and inspiring hope for better understanding and treatments. These personal stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience, courage, and the importance of community. By sharing their experiences, these individuals contribute to a collective effort to improve the lives of NF2 patients and their families. Today we meet Sam who is newly diagnosed. She shares with us her fears of passing NF2 onto her children as she has been diagnosed late on in life “10 years ago I was diagnosed with 2 meningioma, one was removed and then on follow up scans for the second one. I was called back to clinic last May 2023 with a view to remove the second tumour , but also offered genetic testing for nf2 ....the two meningioma recognised a risk for having NF2. Nearly a year later, I now know I have a spinal meningioma and 4 schwannoma also in my spine. I'm currently waiting to see if there is a risk that my children may have inherited NF2. As a person identified as having nf2 in my 50s, this is the aspect of the disease which affects me most....not my own situation I can't do anything about that, but the possibility I may have passed it onto my children. I'm getting support but it's incredibly hard to deal with the disease which currently I don't know what the future holds for myself or my children”. NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition. There is no middle or ending to any of our stories. Surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy—are the only options we have. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. There is no cure, Instead, there is resilience, determination, and a shared journey among those who navigate its complexities Please consider donating to research, sharing your story & raising awareness. You can donate here to our research https://lnkd.in/euWUGuTS #endNF2 #NF2awareness #NF2Schwannomatosis #schwannomatosis #NF2support #nf2 #nf2family #nf2warrior #LetstalkNF2

NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition. There is no middle or ending to any of our stories. Surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy—are the only options we have. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. There is no cure, Instead, there is resilience, determination, and a shared journey among those who navigate its complexities Please donate to our NF2 research if you are able https://lnkd.in/ezPZxY2P

The hidden costs of cancer are hitting harder this winter. Going through a cancer diagnosis is challenging enough, yet this pervasive cost-of-living crisis is seeing people living with cancer having to make heart-breaking choices. Things like neglecting their nutrition, warmth and hygiene. And some even resorting to further drastic measures to cut costs and stay afloat. It doesn't have to be this way. Check out Macmillan Cancer Support's Winter Gift Guide 🎁 to give a gift that counts and help us reach even more people at a time when they need us most. https://lnkd.in/eNSaKWiQ

🌍 Today on June 14th, we honor World Blood Donor Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the essential role of safe blood and blood products in health systems globally. Blood is a crucial resource for emergency responses, surgical needs, and chronic treatments. Access to safe blood can be the difference between life and death in many situations, underscoring the importance of voluntary blood donations. 🩸 World Blood Donor Day is a powerful opportunity to express gratitude to donors who help ensure a stable blood supply for patients whose names and faces they do not know, embodying a profound act of kindness. 🔬 At Opticom, our commitment extends beyond awareness—we are deeply involved in pioneering research related to blood disorders. Our projects span conditions such as hemophilia, leukemia, and sickle cell disease. Each initiative aims to forge pathways toward more effective treatments and hopeful futures for patients worldwide. 📢 In alignment with our mission, we encourage our community to consider blood donation. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make an impact, supporting everything from cancer treatments to managing chronic diseases. Let’s use World Blood Donor Day as a reminder of the power of a simple act of donating blood. Share this message, inspire others to donate, and consider joining the ranks of donors if you are able. Your single donation can save up to three lives, providing not just blood, but hope. #WorldBloodDonorDay #BloodDonation #SaveLives #Betterdecisions #HealthcareInnovation

Blood banks play a (crucial role) in our lives by collecting, testing, and storing blood donations . The first blood bank in the United States was established in 1936. Today, blood banks collect blood and separate it into its various components so they can be used most effectively according to the needs of the patient. Red blood cells carry oxygen, platelets help the blood clot, and plasma has specific proteins that allow proper regulation of coagulation and healing. Blood transfusions are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including anemia, cancer, and blood disorders. According to the American Red Cross, nearly 5 million people receive blood transfusions each year. Thanks to years of research, much progress has been made towards making transfusions safer and more effective. Blood banks also play a critical role in emergency situations, where timely access to blood can be the difference between life and death. Donating blood is a simple and safe process that can help save lives.

It’s National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. How can you reduce your risk? 1. Cut out excess alcohol. 2. Limit salt-preserved foods: Consuming foods preserved by salting increases the risk, so cut back on pickled vegetables and salted or dried fish (such as salt cod). Learn more: https://bit.ly/3W78HtF

🌟 Today, we're raising awareness for NF2 on Rare Disease Day! 🌟 NF2, short for NF2-related Schwanomatosis, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the growth of tumors on nerves throughout the body. These tumors can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hearing loss, balance problems, vision changes, and more. Living with NF2 means facing daily challenges that many may not understand. But together, we can change that. By raising awareness and supporting research, we can improve outcomes for those affected by NF2 and work towards finding a cure. Join us in spreading the word about NF2 this Rare Disease Day. Together, we can make a difference! 💙 Donate here: https://buff.ly/4c35L9w https://buff.ly/3SWE6OD #RareDiseaseDay #NF2Awareness #RareButReal #Hope #FindACure