Registration          BA-THA INC. (Balikatang Thalassemia) is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1993 and S.E.C registered and approved to operate as such in May 6, 1995 with S.E.C Reg. No. ANO95-02098. The Hematology Unit of the Dr. fe del Mundo Medical Center Foundation has been designated by the Department of Health with department Order No. 301-1 S. 1999, republic Act 7719 as the Thalassemia Center of the Philippines. People          The moving forces behind the organization is Dr. Alendry P. Caviles, Jr., Head of the Hematology-Oncology-Immunology Unit of the Dr. Fe del Mundo Medical Center Foundation Philippines, and presently the President and Medical director of the same institution. His practice of Hematology not only focuses on the medical treatment of blood diseases but also putting up of a foundation that will help the less opportune leukemic patients achieve remission and cure through adoption, in the same purpose for Thalassemic patients, he hopes to activate Balikatang Thalassemia. Board of trustees          In February 17, 2001, parents, Thalassemic patients and friends elected among themselves Board of trustees composed of Mr. Abel Silva (Parent of Thalassemic patient), Atty. Tranquil Salvador (Husband, Thalassemic patient), Dr. Ma. Jasmin Gonzales-Ruiz (Hematology Fellow in Charge), Mr. Ruffy Sogocio (Parent), Mr. Antonio Henares (Thalasemmic Patient), Mrs. Eloisa Dizon (Parent), Mr. Proceso Ramos, Jr., (parent), Mr. Joselito Tongco (Parent, WAS Patient) and Mrs. Esther dela Cruz (Y.A.K.A.P. President). Officers          The officers of the association consisting of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer and Auditor hold office for one fiscal year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The present set of officers are the following: President: Mr. Abel Silva Vice-President: Atty. Tranquil Salvador Secretary: Mrs. Eloisa Dizon Treasurer: Mr. Jose Antonio Henares Auditor: Mr. Ruffy Sogocio Finances          BA-THA will depend solely on donations and proceeds generated from fund-raising projects. Office          The office of BA-THA is located at the Dr. Fe del Mundo Medical Center Foundation, Hematology-Onconology-Immunology Unit, 11 Banawe St., Quezon City, Philippines, direct Line 714-9198, telefax 743-1818, Hospital trunkline 712-0845 loc 158/156. e-mail: balikatthal@yahoo.com , balikatthal@homtail.com

Facts         Beta Thalassemia         People whose hemoglobin does not produce enough beta protein have beta thalassemia. It is found in people of Mediterranean descent, such as Italians and Greeks, and is also found in the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Africa, Southeast Asia and southern China.         There are three types of beta thalassemia that also range from mild to severe in their effect on the body.         Thalassemia Minor or Thalassemia Trait. In this condition, the lack of beta protein is not great enough to cause problems in the normal functioning of the hemoglobin. A person with this condition simply carries the genetic trait for thalassemia and will usually experience no health problems other than a possible mild anemia. As in mild alpha thalassemia, physicians often mistake the small red blood cells of the person with beta thalassemia minor as a sign of iron-deficiency anemia and incorrectly prescribe iron supplements.         Thalassemia Intermedia. In this condition the lack of beta protein in the hemoglobin is great enough to cause a moderately severe anemia and significant health problems, including bone deformities and enlargement of the spleen. However, there is a wide range in the clinical severity of this condition, and the borderline between thalassemia intermedia and the most severe form, thalassemia major, can be confusing. The deciding factor seems to be the amount of blood transfusions required by the patient. The more dependent the patient is on blood transfusions, the more likely he or she is to be classified as thalassemia major. Generally speaking, patients with thalassemia intermedia need blood transfusions to improve their quality of life, but not in order to survive.         Thalassemia Major or Cooley's Anemia. This is the most severe form of beta thalassemia in which the complete lack of beta protein in the hemoglobin causes a life-threatening anemia that requires regular blood transfusions and extensive ongoing medical care. These extensive, lifelong blood transfusions lead to iron-overload which must be treated with chelation therapy to prevent early death from organ failure.