For children with haemophilia, the opportunity to throw questions at former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was irresistible. The boys wanted to know how they would access their periodic dose of injections to combat their blood disorder if they were to go to space.
Haemophilia is a genetic disorder which affects mostly males and females are carriers of the disorder. The Society, started in 1988, has managed to ensure that the State government allots funds and creates centres for treating persons with haemophilia in government hospitals. A haemophiliac spends anywhere between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh on medicines annually.
“Any disability increases dependence and reduces self-esteem. Have an aim in life and acquire knowledge continuously. Education builds self-esteem and gives you wings to fly,” Mr. Kalam told them.
He gave several examples of men who had dispelled the myth that a disease would not allow them to dream big. He was participating in the silver jubilee celebrations of Hemophilia Society – Chennai chapter, here on Wednesday
R. Varadarajan, one of the founders of the society, recalled that the four founders travelled to government hospitals to collect addresses of persons with haemophilia.
The society now has around 500 haemophiliacs in and around Chennai as its members. There are several such branches across the State, Dr. Varadarajan said.
