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Help us raise money

For participating in 5KM Walk/Run for Thalassemia - Toronto 2026

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Our story…

Dear family & friends,

Our beautiful granddaughter Maria was born with Beta Thalassemia Major, an inherited blood disorder that requires lifelong treatment. 

Every month, Maria goes to SickKids for blood transfusions. From such a young age, she has shown us what true strength and courage look like, facing it all with an incredible spirit that continues to inspire our entire family.

Thalassemia has become very personal to me. Over the past year, I have become more involved with the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada, and I am proud to be co-chairing this year’s Thal Walk. My hope is to help raise awareness, support families living with Thalassemia, and contribute to the research and advancements that can give Maria and others like her the healthiest and brightest future possible.

Every donation, no matter the amount, supports this important work and brings us closer a cure.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting Maria. It means more to our family than I can express.

With love and gratitude,

Charlene & Dino
Proud Gigi & Nonno ❤️



Help us raise money for Thalassemia Foundation of Canada

Team members

Click on one of our team members below to make a donation.

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Sep 14 Saket and Antoinette Kalia CA$269.32
Sep 14 Jen and Shawn CA$250.00
Sep 14 Lesa D’Alessandro We love you sweet Maria. CA$108.31
Sep 14 Max, Tyler, and Cass Henderson CA$108.31
Sep 14 Catherine Hakes With love to Maria and her family (especially her beloved Gigi! CA$108.31
Sep 14 Michelle Jalsevac CA$54.63
Sep 13 Anonymous Undisclosed amount
Sep 13 Shef and Ruda Good luck Charlene! CA$27.80
Sep 13 Jill Lubinski Undisclosed amount
Sep 13 Paul & Seema Kalia Undisclosed amount