Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution

In Part 2 of our Stages of Life series, NinaMaria and Dr. Kevin Kuo welcome back Dr. Scott Peslak for a deep dive into the unique considerations thalassemia patients face in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. The conversation covers fertility and pregnancy planning, navigating cellular therapies, and balancing parenthood with thalassemia care. Dr. Peslak also discusses aging with thalassemia, from fatigue and bone health to c...

Being an adult with thalassemia comes with unique challenges—and victories—at every stage of life. On this episode of Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution, patient advocate NinaMaria Badalamenti and co-host Dr. Kevin Kuo sit down with Dr. Scott Peslak, physician scientist and director of the Adult Comprehensive Thalassemia Program at UPenn.

From navigating the tricky transition from pediatric t...

In this special episode, NinaMaria steps into the guest seat as Dr. Kevin Kuo interviews her about her lived experience with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. She opens up about the gratitude she feels for transfusions, the logistical and emotional challenges of treatment days, and how fatigue and scheduling impact her daily life. Together, they explore what new patients should know when considering transfusions, incl...

This special crossover episode brings together advocates from PK deficiency, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease to share insights from the Red Cell Revolution and the powerful connections formed across rare hemolytic anemias. NinaMaria Badalamenti leads a heartfelt conversation with Jill Welle, Laurice Levine, and Cassandra Trimnell about the common challenges these communities face, from fatigue to stigma to navigat...

On this episode of Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution, NinaMaria Badalamenti and Dr. Kevin Kuo sit down with two giants in the thalassemia field, Dr. Sujit Sheth and Dr. Nica Cappellini, to unpack findings from a new global health literacy survey. The conversation explores why patient understanding of hemoglobin levels, monitoring, and treatment goals remains so critical, whether someone lives with transfusion-depend...

On this special episode of Thal Pals, we're live at the TIF Pan-American Conference in Washington, DC! With an introduction by Brian Goff, CEO of Agios Pharmaceuticals, hosts Dr. Kevin Kuo and NinaMaria Badalamenti speak with distinguished panelists Radhika Sawh, Rafaela Palharini and Florencia Cillo. They share their personal experiences, discuss the importance of openness and support systems, an...

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 schedul...

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...

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.

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Thal Pals: The Alpha Beta Revolution Podcast is intended f...

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...

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. ...

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 a...

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 pati...

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 highlig...

Join NinaMaria and Dr. Kuo in conversation with guests Dr. Priya Chandrakumaran and Dr. Hayoung Roh, hematology residents, as they share their journeys and passion for hematology. They discuss their motivations, the importance of patient-centered care, and experiences with thalassemia patients. Their insights highlight the value of mentorship and patient interactions in shaping medical careers. 

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On this episode of Thal Pals, NinaMaria interviews Dr. Sujit Sheth, a renowned red cell doctor specializing in thalassemia and other red cell disorders. Dr. Sheth emphasizes the importance of assembling a dedicated care team, advocates for patient self-advocacy, and provides valuable insights into individualized patient care. He also discusses the impact of advancements in medical technology and t...

On this episode of Thal Pals, NinaMaria concludes our two-part series on nutrition with guest Tamara Schryver, a nutrition scientist and president of the Thrive with Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency Organization. They dive into the roles of antioxidants for those with hemolytic anemias, the controversial debate over vitamin A and E supplements, and the significance of a balanced diet. They also discuss the importance of phys...

On this episode of Thal Pals, NinaMaria hosts Tamara Schryver, president of the Thrive with Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency Organization. They discuss the importance of nutrition for patients with hemolytic anemias such as thalassemia and PKD. Tamara offers practical dietary tips and emphasizes the significance of nutrient-dense foods and vitamins. Stay tuned for the next episode, where they delve deeper into these topics.

On this episode of Thal Pals, hosts NinaMaria Badalamenti and Dr. Kevin Kuo delve into the second part of their discussion on lab tests. They explore the impact of factors like menstruation, nutrition, and illness on ferritin levels, and emphasize the importance of monitoring and managing iron levels through diet and medication. They also explain how MRI is used to measure iron accumulation in vit...