Raising Hope: Growing Up with a Parent Who Has Thalassemia

Raising Hope: Growing Up with a Parent Who Has Thalassemia

As the producers of “Thalassemia: It’s In Our Blood” we pride ourselves on innovation. Part of this has been introducing topics that have never been talked about, or, discussed very little. We strive to  give people, who have not had the opportunity, a platform to share their stories. This episode - the first in a trilogy - highlights the perspective of children whose parents have thalassemia. Please join us as we talk to Jessica Horstmann and Ryan Colasanti, children of the esteemed Ralph Colasanti - a thalassemia patient, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and the National President of the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation (CAF). Jessica and Ryan openly share what it was like being raised by a father who is surviving thalassemia: what lessons they learned, how thalassemia has shaped their family, their motivation for being happy, being positive, and adopting their father’s motto “YOLO”. For more information on the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation: www.thalassemia.org [http://www.thalassemia.org]

Episode 12: Honouring Dr. Nica Cappellini on International Thalassemia Day, May 8, 2026

Today, International Thalassemia Day 2026, marks the one year anniversary of the first episode of "Thalassemia: It's In Our Blood." We are beyond fortunate to have Dr. Maria Domenica Cappellini as our guest to help us mark this important occasion. We are dedicating this special episode to honouring her more than four decades of brilliant, life-changing work that has transformed the lives of patients worldwide. We are truly privileged to talk with her today as she shares her invaluable expertise to help us better understand the evolving needs of the aging thalassemia population.

Episode 11: Blood, Borders, and Breakthroughs: Tobias' US-to-Taiwan Story

In this episode of Thalassemia, It’s in Our Blood, guest Tobias Larkin shares his journey from living with Thalassemia in the U.S. to building a life in Taiwan as an English teacher. He reflects on his diagnosis, the steps that helped him turn a high school dream into reality, and his experience receiving transfusions and care in Taiwan. Tobias’s story is an inspiring look at what may be possible for people living with Thalassemia who are considering a move, whether across their country or around the world, while managing their health.

Episode 10: Pregnancy with Thalassemia: Mom's Twin Journey Story

Our community often asks about pregnancy and parenthood with Thalassemia—which is why we dedicated episode 10 to this topic.   Linda Black reached out after hearing the podcast, eager to share her story and raise awareness about Thalassemia and pregnancy. Linda, a 33-year-old stay-at-home mom and patient in the US, naturally conceived twins who are now 3 years old. Hear her story and why it's a testament to embracing miracles amid genetic challenges, inspiring hope for others.

Episode 9: Through a Mother’s Love: Honoring Menaal’s Legacy with Shermin Mullan

This Valentine’s Day, we honor a love that continues to shine.  A mother’s love that has turned pain into purpose. In this heartfelt episode, Shermin shares the story of her daughter, Menaal, who passed away at 18 from complications following a bone marrow transplant for thalassemia. Just two years into her grief, Shermin speaks about how she keeps Menaal’s light alive each day. Through Menaal4Life, Shermin and her family and friends have led blood drives to raise awareness for thalassemia, supported Canadian Blood Services, donated food to local shelters, and have helped make and distribute over 200 sandwiches to those in need. They have also established the Menaal4Life Scholarship at the University of Calgary. On her Instagram, Menaal4Life Menaal is remembered as “the strongest person we will ever know — concentrated with love, and lived her life to the fullest.” This episode is a story reminding us that love lives on through loss.