Unstoppable Spirit: From Thalassaemia Warrior to Advocate for Change
Patient
India
Hello! I am Hiral Shah, a Thalassaemia major warrior, German language trainer, and faculty member at IIS Gujarat University. My life’s journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference in the world.
My early years were marked by the daunting reality of being diagnosed with Thalassemia Major. Despite doctors’ grim predictions of a life expectancy of no more than seven years, I refused to be defined by my condition. With unwavering support from my parents, I embraced a life filled with frequent blood transfusions and Desferal injections, determined to live life on my terms.
Education became my guiding light. Fueled by my passion for the German language, I earned a master’s degree and achieved the C1 level from the esteemed Goethe Institute. My academic journey continued with professional opportunities at IBM Concentrix and a faculty position at IIS Gujarat University.
However, life had its challenges in store for me. Between 2016 and 2017, I faced severe health setbacks, enduring multiple hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. One critical episode left me fighting for my life, with doctors giving me a mere 72-hour window to survive.
Facing mortality head-on, I embarked on a soul-searching journey, questioning my life’s purpose and how I could serve society and fellow thalassaemia warriors. This ignited within me a passion for social work, leading me to collaborate with NGOs like The Wishing Factory, TSPC, YuvaAsmita, MVR Foundation, and Team Funwithredbloodcells.
My mission is clear: to raise awareness about thalassaemia and promote blood donation. I am committed to educating the younger generation about the importance of pre-marital thalassaemia tests and early pregnancy screenings. Through my efforts, I aim to create a future where awareness and prevention become the norm, saving lives and reducing the impact of this genetic disorder.
My outreach efforts have taken me to corporate giants like FIAT and Volkswagen, where I have actively participated in blood donation camps, spreading awareness and inspiring others to join the cause.
Despite facing life’s most challenging hurdles, I continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for others and proving that with determination and passion, anything is possible!
Hiral Shah
