ATODER

Who Are We? ATODER (Adana Talasemi ve Orak Hücre Anemi Hastaları Koruma Ve Dayanışma Derneği) is a non-govermental organization in Adana. We have established our association with Thalassemia patients and their families in 2007. The purpose of the association is to being in solidarity with thalassemia and cell anemia patients, contribute to the formation of a healthy society, elucidating between national and international organizations to make in consultation and awareness-raising activities. Thalassemia and Cell Anemia and ATODER? Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused when the body doesn’t make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells. Patients with thalassemia is considered as 40% of disabled by the Health Ministry of Turkey and they have also consider as disabled by other countries. Because of its nature this disease they must remain dependent on the hospital for life long. According to this reason, patients with thalassemia having problem with social integration and they live their life withdrawn. Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible enough to move easily through the blood vessels. In sickle cell disease, red blood cells become crescent- or “sickle”-shaped due to a genetic mutation. These sickled red blood cells do not bend or move easily and can block blood flow to the rest of the body. The blocked blood flow through the body can lead to serious problems, including stroke, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain called pain crises. These diseases are common in the region where our association is located. These two diseases are diseases that can be prevented by spreading awareness. From this point our organization is in key position with awareness activities and works in Adana. In addition to the fact that there are many people suffering with this disease, we effectively carry out awareness activities in our city with our wide volunteer team. What is ESC for us? By its nature, the disease is a condition that anyone can experience. Especially Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia are diseases that can be present from birth without any negligence on the part of the person. In this context, these diseases, which are reported all over the world, are of course also seen in Europe. In this context ESC as a tool for youth and organizations to increase European awareness in all areas, especially blood diseases. With ESC we can spread awareness beyond Europe. With this Meeting new people and partners in the adventure of spreading awareness can be considered among our goals. In our past, where we hosted many volunteers, the interaction between the volunteers and our local youth has made us even more enthusiastic and willing to spread our projects. What volunteer going to receive in our project? If volunteer choose us, he/she will earn experiences and awareness about blood diseases. Also, she/he have a chance to discover an oriental city called Adana. Our city and our region is historical place. Your volunteer will stay in a beautiful city in a fun and educational process with a large team. What We Want? We are accredited organization. We can host 8 volunteers at the same time. Also we are open for send volunteers. But for us the most important thing is good and strong communication with partners. For now we are looking for new partners and new volunteers.