Thalassemia is a rare condition, and for that reason, there are very few opportunities for communication and interaction among patients, which intensifies doubts, fears, isolation and prejudice. Thinking about the positive impact of the previous editions, in the context of socialization and mainly, the value of exchanging experiences and ideas, Abrasta will hold the 6th Meeting with participants from different countries in an online format.
The participants will have an opportunity to meet other people with the same condition and share their individual experiences living with thalassemia. They will also be invited to speak about relationships, work, challenges and achievements. This virtual meeting will foster a sense of belonging, support and inspiration.
The event will take place on Saturday, May 16, lasting four hours, with simultaneous translation available in three languages (Portuguese, English, and Spanish). After the welcome session, multidisciplinary experts will kick off a discussion on holistic well-being, focusing on physical and emotional health, as well as self-care.
Next, we will have a roundtable discussion – now with a new feature! We have unified the rooms that were previously divided by age groups in order to address the thalassemia patient journey across different stages of life, with the opening led by ABRASTA’s Patient Committee. To conclude on a high note, we will host a masterclass on new treatments and key pillars of care.
Brasil 1pm – 5pm
London 5pm – 9pm
Ottawa 12pm – 4pm
Buenos Aires 1pm – 5pm
India (standard time) 9pm – 1am
Pakistan 9pm – 1am
Bangaladesh 10pm – 2am
Greece – 7pm – 11pm
Trindade e Tobago 12pm – 4pm
Spain 6pm – 10pm
Malásia 12am – 4am
México 11am – 3pm
SCHEDULE
Opening and Welcome | 12:00 PM

Catherine Moura
CEO Abrasta

Eduardo Froes
President Abrasta
Holistic Well-being | 12:15 PM
Chat about strategies for a healthy life
Regina Chamon
Regina Chamon is a hematologist trained at Unicamp, with certification in Stress Management and Resilience Training from the Benson-Henry Institute (Harvard Medical School) and in Lifestyle Medicine from the IBLM. For the past 10 years, she has integrated stress science and clinical practice in patient care and in the training of healthcare professionals. She is the author of two books, host of the Desestresse podcast, and creator of the S.E.R. Approach — a gentle path to caring for stress.
Discussion Circle | 12:45 PM
A structured exchange on the challenges, achievements, and journeys in living with thalassemia, with an opening led by Janaína Rosenburg Gioseffi, a person with thalassemia intermedia. Moderation will be carried out by individuals and activists with thalassemia from different countries, who will act as facilitators in mediation and participant engagement.
Rosenburg Gioseffi
Person with thalassemia intermedia and member of Abrasta’s Patient Committee
Laurice Lavine
Person with thalassemia major, patient advocate, medical consultant at LMJB Consulting
Antonio Cerrato
Person with thalassemia major and member of Alheta’s Board of Directors – Asociación Española de Lucha Contra las Hemoglobinopatías y Talasemias
Break | 1:45 PM
Masterclass | 2:00 PM
A chat with medical specialists about new technologies, including integrative medicine as a complementary approach to a life of well-being and balance.
Eduardo Fróes
person with thalassemia major and Abrasta’s president
Elisangela Pauli
Person with thalassemia major and Abrasta’s vice president
Dra Sandra Loggetto
Pediatric hematologist, Blood Bank of São Paulo – Grupo GSH, Vice Coordinator of ABHH’s Pediatric Hematology and Hemotherapy Committee, member of Abrasta’s Scientific Committee, and member of TIF’s Panamerican Network for Hemoglobinopathies
Dr Vasili Berdoukas
Hematologist and pediatrician with nearly 50 years of experience in hemoglobin disorders, particularly thalassemia. He served as visiting professor in pediatrics at the University of Southern California in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, USA. Throughout his career, he helped establish prenatal diagnosis services for thalassemia in both Greece and Australia.
Closing | 3:40 PM
Tribute to mothers of people with thalassemia, in recognition of their care, strength, dedication, and their fundamental role in this journey.
Organization
Sponsor
Silver
Institutional Support