To purchase medical equipment for thalassaemia

I have chosen to support the United Kingdom Thalassaemia Society with their fund raising for vein finding machines which would assist people living with the condition who have issues each time they are cannulated for transfusions and blood tests. In particular I am hoping that I will raise sufficient funds to be able to purchase the equipment for the unit in Birmingham . You can see how the machine works by visiting the following website/ link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmodRbP5858&t=18s 

My Name is Nabeel Javed , I am 26 years old and from the West Midlands. I was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major at birth and I was given my first blood transfusion the tender age of 3 months. Thalassaemia major a severe blood disorder which affected my body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells. The disorder requires me to be life dependent on monthly blood transfusions and specific medication needed daily to control my iron overload. The illness causes several other complications and there is no easy cure available.

 

I’ve had been living with this since birth, so growing up wasn’t the easiest. I was unable to do the things any “normal” kid would be able to do; I was always the slowest or the weakest in the class. Growing up, I was always extremely fatigued and tired and my consultant at that time, explained it would be difficult for me to build muscle and take part in sporting activities. I was extremely underweight and saw my illness as nothing but an obstacle.

 

Growing up I was fascinated by boxing and loved the sport, I got quite disheartened I couldn’t take part in the sport. For years I allowed myself to think there was a barrier around me and that I wasn’t good enough. But one day this all changed, I woke up and thought to myself why should I see my illness as an obstacle? Why can’t I do it? Why am I not capable? Feeling sorry for myself hasn’t benefited me. I realised I wanted a change in my life, I didn’t care how long it took or how I’d get there all I knew is a CHANGE is what I wanted.

 

I attended a gym and fast forward a few years started boxing. I am now competing in my first boxing event at a white collar boxing show on Saturday 21st May 2022. I want to raise awareness about my illness and let people know that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. I want people to know they are not alone! Whether you suffer from an illness, obesity, anorexia, disability, mental health disorder or depression. DO NOT THINK CHANGE IS NOT POSSIBLE! IF I CAN DO IT ANYONE CAN! THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! I want to help people who were once in my position. It wasn’t easy opening up about something so personal, but if my story can motivate JUST ONE person then it’s a job well done for me. 

Unfortunately I have personally known of two patients who have passed away due to the illness.  I therefore want to help spread awareness by stepping in the ring and becoming the voice for the unheard.  Your donation will go a long way in supporting the funding for equipment that can not only support the medical health of patients but also the mental health. Having blood transfusions and being cannulated regularly can be very daunting especially if your veins cannot be located.