Resources
The Guidelines for the Clinical Care of Patients with Thalassemia in Canada provide detailed recommendations to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
Note: Content is still being refined and confirmed.
Canadian Treatment Guidelines
The Guidelines for the Clinical Care of Patients with Thalassemia in Canada provide detailed recommendations to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
Treatment Guidelines (see Consensus Statement of Clinical Care of Patients with Thalassemia in Canada) were published through a Canadian Consensus Statement; however, the patient’s lived experience is that these guidelines aren’t universally applied across Canada and across all Canadian treatment centres.
To download a copy of the Canadian Consensus Statement, visit:
Consensus Statement of Clinical Care of Patients with Thalassemia in Canada
Comprehensive guidelines developed through Canadian medical consensus to ensure standardized, high-quality care for thalassemia patients across Canada.
International TIF Guidelines
To download a copy of the international guidelines, see the TIF resources below:
TIF Guidelines for the Management of Transfusion Dependent β-Thalassaemia (TDT)
5th Edition – 2025
Comprehensive management guidelines for patients requiring regular blood transfusions, covering all aspects of care from diagnosis through ongoing treatment.
Guidelines for the Management of Non-Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassaemia
3rd Edition – 2023
Specialized guidelines for patients with thalassemia intermedia and other forms that don’t require regular transfusions.
Guidelines for the Management of α-Thalassaemia
2023 Edition
Comprehensive guidelines specifically for alpha thalassemia management, addressing the unique aspects of this condition.
Additional TIF Resources
For other resources developed for thalassemia patients and families, explore the comprehensive collection of publications from the Thalassemia International Federation.
TIF Publications Library
Access a comprehensive library of educational materials, research publications, patient guides, and clinical resources developed by the Thalassemia International Federation.
Research Grants and Scholarships
TFC offers a variety of scholarships and research grants to support students and researchers dedicated to thalassemia-related work.
Explore the opportunities below:
Thalassemia Secondary Student Excellence Award
This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement and community involvement among secondary school students affected by thalassemia. It encourages young individuals to pursue higher education while advocating for thalassemia awareness.
This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement and community involvement among secondary school students affected by thalassemia. It encourages young individuals to pursue higher education while advocating for thalassemia awareness.
The Thalassemia Foundation of Canada is proud to announce the Thalassemia Secondary Student Excellence Award. The award shall be given to a Canadian Secondary School student with Thalassemia Major or Intermedia. The purpose of this award is to recognize Thalassemia patients who demonstrate determination, commitment, and enthusiasm. These qualities can be revealed through the candidates’ academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. The Thalassemia Secondary Student Excellence Award is intended to motivate and encourage Thalassemia patients to continue to work through life’s challenges, contribute to their community, and share their talents/gifts with others.
Award Details
- Number of Awards: 2
- Value: $500 each
- Submission Deadline: January 20, 2027
- Submit to: tony.falcitelli@thalassemia.ca (Please request confirmation of receipt)
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have Thalassemia Major or Intermedia
- Must be a Canadian resident attending a secondary school (Grades 9-12)
- Willingness to allow name, photo, or video to be shared on the Thalassemia Foundation website/newsletter
How to Apply
Part 1: Submit a 1-page essay, including:
- Brief personal introduction (family, hobbies, volunteer work)
- The impact of Thalassemia on your life and how you maintain a positive outlook
- How this scholarship will benefit you
Part 2: Complete the application form: Thalassemia Secondary Student Excellence Award Application Form
Naushy Mullani Memorial Travel Scholarship
A travel scholarship established in memory of Naushy Mullani, honoring her passion for travel and enabling thalassemia patients to attend TFC and TIF conferences.
A travel scholarship established in memory of Naushy Mullani, honoring her passion for travel and enabling thalassemia patients to attend TFC and TIF conferences.
About Naushy Mullani
Naushy Mullani was a trailblazer of her time. She was always involved in trying to make things better through her advocacy work and by going out of her way to show compassion to others who suffered from the same chronic blood condition. She was born on April 23rd, 1959, in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. She was the youngest of five children born to her parents who were of Indian descent. After she was born, she gradually started to become pale and weak and was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major and had her first blood transfusion at three months old.
Naushy continued to have blood transfusions for the rest of her life until she passed away on October 20, 2009, at the age of 49. At the age of 13, she came to Toronto where she started her treatments at SickKids Hospital and then subsequently transferred to Toronto General Hospital. It was here that she met her Thalassemia family and built lifelong friendships. When she moved to Toronto she left behind the stigma that was attached to her condition.
Naushy was involved with the Thalassemia Action Group (TAG) and helped with social activities and fundraising. She was also a Board Trustee on the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada and was on the Thalassemia International Federation board (TIF) representing Canada.
She lived and loved life to the fullest and never once did she utter the words ‘Why Me?’ She loved dancing and entertaining and cooking and going camping and to the cottage with family and friends. She loved to travel and was able to attend some of the yearly conferences for TFC/TIF. She took care of everyone in the family and never missed a birthday for her nieces and nephews! She never married and considered all of them as her own. She had a big heart and was very caring and generous.
The Mullani family established this travel scholarship in memory of their beloved sister and aunt. Naushy was always present and willing to do anything for her family and close friends. She loved learning new things and meeting new people. It was therefore fitting that this scholarship would represent her love for travel and be able to have others with her condition to experience the same thing that she was able to do. This would have made her very happy!
Thank you to the Mullani family for this incredible scholarship in honour of their loved one.
Patient Travel Scholarships
The Naushy Mullani Travel Scholarship offers a limited number of travel scholarships to help offset domestic and international travel costs for thalassemia patients attending conferences or events related to thalassemia.
Priority Consideration
- Priority will be given to first-time applicants on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fair access.
- Applicants who have not previously received sponsorship from the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada will be prioritized.
- Scholarship amounts may vary based on proximity to the event location, up to a specified maximum amount.
Scholarship Assistance Covers
This scholarship may provide financial assistance for:
- Up to two (2) days of hotel accommodations
- Travel expenses, including airfare, train fare, or mileage reimbursement
All awards are granted at the discretion of the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship program is open to:
- Individuals diagnosed with thalassemia major or thalassemia intermedia
- Applicants currently residing in Canada
Please note: The Thalassemia Foundation of Canada does not assist with visas or embassy-related matters.
How Will Decisions Be Made?
Applicants will be considered based on the following criteria:
- Completion and submission of the application email by the posted deadline
- Ability to attend the full conference or event
How Do I Apply?
Applicants must submit an email to: info@thalassemia.ca
The email must include:
- Full Name
- Age
- Diagnosis
- Phone Number
- Email Address (By providing your email address, you consent to us sharing it with the conference organizer for registration and invoicing purposes.)
- A brief summary explaining why you wish to attend the conference
When Will I Be Notified?
All applicants will be notified of their travel scholarship decision within two weeks of their application being received.
Successful applicants must confirm acceptance of their award in writing within three (3) business days of receiving the notification. If the award is not accepted by the deadline, it may be reassigned to another applicant.
How Will Scholarships Be Awarded?
Each recipient will receive an email outlining:
- Scholarship details
- Award amount
- Instructions for accepting the award
Registration Process
Once the award is accepted:
- Your information will be shared with the conference coordinator for registration purposes
- Hotel accommodations will be arranged, if applicable
Travel & Reimbursement Information
Recipients are responsible for booking their own travel arrangements. A maximum reimbursement amount will be provided toward approved travel and hotel expenses.
A separate email will include:
- Expense reimbursement instructions
- An expense claim form
- Required documentation details
Applicants must submit their completed expense form and copies of receipts within six (6) weeks after the conference or event.
Reimbursements will only be issued:
- After attendance at the event has been confirmed
- Upon receipt and approval of all required documentation
Eligible Expenses
Reimbursement applies only to approved travel-related expenses, including:
- Flights
- Train fare
- Mileage
- Hotel accommodations
The Thalassemia Foundation of Canada does not reimburse:
- Meals outside of conference-provided meals
- Incidentals or personal expenses
Corrado Falcitelli Memorial Scholarship Award
A scholarship honoring the memory of Corrado Falcitelli, awarded to post-secondary students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership in raising awareness of thalassemia.
A scholarship honoring the memory of Corrado Falcitelli, awarded to post-secondary students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership in raising awareness of thalassemia.
In memory of our past President, Corrado Falcitelli, the Falcitelli Family and the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada have created a scholarship award. This scholarship will be awarded to a Canadian citizen with Thalassemia Major or Intermedia who is registered in a full-time post secondary education program. The purpose of this award is to provide an incentive to patients who are continuing their education. We hope this scholarship will inspire and motivate patients to reach their educational and career goals.
Scholarship Details
- Number of Awards: 2
- Value: $1,500 each (payable towards tuition)
- Submission Deadline: January 20, 2027
- Submit to: tony.falcitelli@thalassemia.ca (Request confirmation of receipt)
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have Thalassemia Major or Intermedia
- Must be a Canadian resident enrolled full-time in an accredited Canadian university or college program
- Must grant permission to share name, photo, or video on the Thalassemia Foundation website/newsletter
How to Apply
Part 1: Proof of registration and payment (invoice showing program name and course list)
Part 2: Submit a 1-page essay that includes:
- Brief personal introduction (family, activities, hobbies, volunteer work)
- Impact of Thalassemia on your life and how you maintain a positive attitude
- How this scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals
Part 3: Complete the application form: Corrado Falcitelli Memorial Scholarship Application Form
Research Grant Competition
This competition supports researchers advancing knowledge in thalassemia treatment and care. Grants are awarded annually to encourage innovative projects that could improve patient outcomes.
This competition supports researchers advancing knowledge in thalassemia treatment and care. Grants are awarded annually to encourage innovative projects that could improve patient outcomes.
The Thalassemia Foundation of Canada invites applications for research grants to support studies on thalassemia, including basic, clinical, laboratory, and psycho-social research. Both research fellowships and operating grants will be considered.
Grant Types
- Research Fellowships: Targeted at investigators who received their MD since 2012 or PhD since 2017. Fellowships prioritize funding the Fellow’s salary.
- Operating Grants: Can be used to supplement partial funding from other agencies or as seed money for new projects. Young investigators are encouraged to apply.
Funding Amount
Grants range from $30,000 to $40,000 per annum, typically awarded for two years. In special cases, a third-year renewal may be considered. Grants cannot be used for institutional overhead costs.
Eligibility
- The primary investigator must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Research must be conducted at a recognized Canadian institution.
Application and Review Process
Applications will undergo peer review by a five-member Medical Advisory Board, chaired by Dr. Jacob Pendergrast, at the University of Toronto. External experts may be consulted as needed.
Key Dates
- November 30, 2026: Invitations for full application submissions sent to medical schools and research institutions
- December 31, 2026: Completed applications must be submitted electronically to the grants coordinator
- February 17, 2027: Grant recipients announced; applicants notified of the Board’s decision
- April 1, 2027: Funding begins for successful applicants
Application Requirements
- Brief curriculum vitae (CIHR common CV accepted) for the principal investigator
- For fellowships, a brief CV for the fellow applicant is also required.
- Application form: TFC Grant Application Form
- Budget (provide details of budget items, including salaries and equipment, 1 page max)
For more information or to apply, please contact Nagina Parmar Ph.D., CCRP, MEd(c), Grants Coordinator, Thalassemia Foundation of Canada at nagina.parmar@thalassemia.ca.
Past Award Recipients
Explore the achievements of past recipients of TFC research grants, scholarships, and student excellence awards who have contributed to thalassemia awareness and care.
Explore the achievements of past recipients of TFC research grants, scholarships, and student excellence awards who have contributed to thalassemia awareness and care.
Research Grant Competition Winners
Research Grant Competition Winners
Investigation of the influence of gut microbiota and metabolites on complications of thalassemia
Plant Secondary Metabolites (phytochemicals) in Iron Overload Treatment
Chronic iron chelation and susceptibility to toxic metals in the environment
Konstantinos Pantopoulos, Lady Davis Institute
Iron chelation properties of nanoparticle-encapsulated deferoxamine in cells and mice
Perception of Thalassemia Patients towards Thalassemia Prenatal Diagnosis Programs; An International Multicenter Study
The use of the Calcium Channel Blocker Amlodipine as anadjuvant treatment to iron chelation for the prevention of Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy
Detection of F2-isoprostanes as markers of iron-associated oxidative damage and the resulting effects of metabolic systems in iron overloaded beta-thalassemia major patients.
Structural Characterization of the Ferrioxamine B Receptor of Vibrio vulnificus, an Opportunistic Pathogen Associated with Thalassemia.
Nancy Olivieri, Toronto General Hospital
Factors affecting the frequency and severity of atrial fibrillation in population at high risk of developing cardiac complications.
Analysis of novel regulators of erythroid differentiation (in partnership with CIHR)
Chandra Chaturvedi, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Role of G9a in regulating ß-globin gene transcription. (in partnership with CIHR)
Novel regulators of red blood cell differentiation
Douglas Templeton, University of Toronto
Renal Tubular Transport of Iron Chelates
Role of Heme and NF-E2 in Balanced Globin Gene Expression
A Multicentre Study of the Effectiveness of the Alpha – Globin Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) as a Screening Technique for Alpha Thalassemia
Intraerythrocytic Iron Chelation Diminishes Oxidative Damage in Alpha–Thalassemic Erythrocytes
David Picketts; Natalie Berube, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Functional Analysis of ATR-X, the Gene Mutated in Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Syndrome
Douglas Templeton; Ying Liu, University of Toronto
TGF-ß
James Ellis, Hospital for Sick Children; Cameron Osborne, University of Toronto
Development of Retroviral Vectors for Gene Therapy of ß-Thalassemia
Melanie Kirby, Toronto General Hospital; Supriya Sharma, University of Toronto
Randomized Trial of Injections and Infusions of Deferoxamine
Thalassemia Secondary Student Excellence Award Winners
Thalassemia Secondary Student Excellence Award Winners
Sophie Heel
Anissa Rampersaud
Tayba Ifzal
Sam Shahid
Leeya Patel
Julianna Lupo
Corrado Falcitelli Memorial Scholarship Award
Corrado Falcitelli Memorial Scholarship Award
Shirin Taki, MBA – Athabasca University
Keroles Riad, Ph.D. – Individualized Program (Engineering), Concordia University
Veeresh Pavate, Ph.D. – Dentistry, McGill University
Pedro Oliveira – Bachelor of Engineering, McMaster University
Financial Solutions
Financial Support for Thalassemia Treatments
Canadians can access prescription medication coverage through private insurance, provincial/territorial drug benefit programs, or federal programs for specific groups. If your treatment isn’t covered by your provincial/territorial plan, click on your province below for financial support options.
Select Your Province or Territory:
Note: Links are currently being updated.