Thalassemia: It's in Our Blood

About Thalassemia: It's in Our Blood

It's In Our Blood is a podcast created for the entire thalassemia community—patients, parents, siblings, significant others, friends, healthcare providers, and anyone impacted by or interested in this genetic blood disorder. Our platform is one where people living with thalassemia and those supporting them can share their personal stories, successes, challenges, and questions. Each episode features authentic voices from patients, caregivers, family members/spouses, providers and others whose lives are touched by thalassemia. Contact us to be a guest speaker : itsinourbloodpodcast@gmail.com

Publisher

Laurice Levine and Kathy Raufi

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 May 2025

Latest episode

29 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Jul 2026

   Episode 14: Having a Mother with Thalassemia: A Teen’s Perspective

   In part 2 of our trilogy discussing the perspective of children whose parents have thalassemia, meet Julia and Maria - an inspiring daughter-mother duo with an unbreakable bond. Maria has transfusion-dependent thalassemia and is a fierce global advocate in her role as executive board member of the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and the Thalassemia International Federation. She has touched countless lives around the world. Julia shares how her mother’s journey with thalassemia has shaped her own life - she has taken her mother’s pain and struggles and turned them into hope and light as she has become an advocate herself. She is keenly aware of how fortunate patients are who have access to safe blood and clean hospitals, making her wise beyond her years. Thalassemia has forged this unique bond and their love shines through in this episode that is filled with raw honesty, humor, and compassion. Julia’s advice for other children whose parents live with thalassemia: “…you are their shine…you are their bright…say I love you every day and make them smile!”

2. 

   20 Jun 2026

   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)

3. 

   8 May 2026

   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.

4. 

   20 Apr 2026

   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.

5. 

   5 Mar 2026

   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.

6. 

   14 Feb 2026

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

   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.

7. 

   16 Jan 2026

   Episode 8: Patient Voices, New Year's Messages 2026

   Join us for an inspiring Episode 8 where patient voices from around the world share heartfelt New Year 2026 messages for the thalassemia community.

8. 

   21 Dec 2025

   Episode 7: Thalassemia Cured at 52, John Zuke's Zynteglo Journey

   John Zuke, now 53, is a nurse anesthetist and the oldest US patient cured of thalassemia. John shares openly about decades of transfusions from childhood, his experience at 52 undergoing gene therapy through Zynteglo, and his vibrant life now—transfusion-free, married with boys aged 14 and 17, and working hard, playing hard. John's light shows us that a lifetime's fight can end in cure; we're thankful for his inspiring voice.

9. 

   29 Nov 2025

   Episode 6: Aliya's Journey to a Cure

   As people living with thalassemia and those who live with chronic illness and rare disease, we are especially grateful for medical advances and scientific breakthroughs. Join us as we talk  with guest, Aliya Rinaldi, about growing up with thalassemia and then her journey towards a cure as one of the pioneer patients undergoing bluebird bio’s gene therapy trial for Zynteglo, Aliya’s story is some about courage, determination and hope. Aliya has been transfusion free for a decade and is  still an active and integral  part of the thalassemia community. We are so grateful to Aliya for paving the way for other patients who want to undergo gene  therapy, which is now an FDA approved treatment.

10. 

    22 Oct 2025

    Episode 5: A Conversation with Dina Steagall in Honor of Merula Steagall

    On today’s episode we talk to Dina Steagall whose beloved mother, Merula Steagall, passed away from thalassemia at age 56. Merula started Abrasta and Abrale, the Brazilian non-profit organizations for thalassemia and blood cancers. About having a mother with thalassemia, Dina quotes, “we have warriors as our role models and we have so much to learn from them…she was my role model…she was an angel in my life…I admire her so much.” Dina has embraced advocacy and carries on her mother’s legacy with light, love and compassion. This episode airs in honor of Merula Steagall on her birthday, October 22nd. Check out Abrale and Abrasta online and follow their social media pages: https://abrasta.org.br/ https://abrale.org.br/english/

11. 

    16 Sept 2025

    Shelby’s Story: Hope and Healing Through Genetic Therapy

    Michelle Campbell invites us into her family’s remarkable story living with thalassemia, a rare genetic disorder affecting her daughter Shelby. Hear about how they navigated the diagnosis, the difficult decisions they made, and how they embraced cutting-edge genetic therapy. Michelle’s heartfelt story demonstrates the incredible advances in medicine, and the strength it takes to face life’s toughest challenges. Tune in for a story of hope, science, and the power of resilience.

12. 

    12 Aug 2025

    Episode 3: Understanding Thalassemia 101

    On this episode "Understanding Thalassemia 101", we share the essentials of this genetic blood disorder for everyone. From those living with thalassemia, to anyone wanting to understand it better. Thalassemia affects how the body makes hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia. It’s inherited from both parents, so understanding your genetics is key. Treatments often include regular blood transfusions, but these can cause iron to build up in the body—making iron chelation therapy, which removes the excess, an important part of care. While thalassemia can have health effects over a lifetime, advances in medicine and ongoing research are helping more people live longer, healthier lives. This episode gives you the basics so you can share. Simply and clearly—what thalassemia is, why managing it matters, and why there’s hope for the future.

13. 

    19 Jun 2025

    Episode 2: Thalassemia: Building Resilience with Kostas Tsurlis

    Kostas Tsurlis shares his experiences living with transfusion-dependent thalassemia and explains how helping others has fostered resilience, in this interview.

14. 

    2 May 2025

    Episode 1, Thalassemia International Day, Patient Voices, May 8, 2025

    On this episode of It's in Our Blood: We are excited to launch our very first episode on International Thalassaemia Day, May 8- a day dedicated to raising awareness and honoring the global thalassaemia community. In this episode, you’ll hear from people living with thalassaemia around the world as they share how the condition has shaped their lives, the lessons they’ve learned , and their hopes for the future. Join us as we amplify patient voices and celebrate their resilience on this important day. SHOW DESCRIPTION: It's In Our Blood is a podcast created for the entire thalassemia community—patients, parents, siblings, significant others, friends, healthcare providers, and anyone impacted by or interested in this genetic blood disorder. Our platform is one where people living with thalassemia and those supporting them can share their personal stories, successes, challenges, and questions. Each episode features authentic voices from patients, caregivers, family members/spouses, providers and others whose lives are touched by thalassemia. Through these personal narratives and expert insights, we aim to foster understanding, support, and connection. Because thalassemia is more than a condition; it’s a shared experience that runs deep— “It’s in Our Blood.” Whether you are seeking inspiration, practical advice, or simply a place to feel understood, this podcast invites you to listen, learn, and connect with others who truly can relate to the thalassemia journey. Disclaimer: The information discussed in the podcast “It’s In Our Blood” is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for concerns about your health, diagnosis and treatment. The podcast producers are not licensed medical professionals. The information shared here is based on personal opinion and personal experience and does not reflect any professional affiliations. Transparency Statement: It's In Our Blood is a non-profit podcast created and produced by two women living with transfusion dependent beta thalassemia – Kathy Raufi and Laurice Levine. Neither hosts nor guests receive payment for their participation as we do not have sponsors and therefore there is complete transparency and freedom of speech. The views expressed are those of the individuals and do not constitute medical advice.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

15 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

11

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51