Celebrating 54 Years of Living with Thalassemia and Still Thriving!

Allow me to introduce myself: I am Thekla Alecou Kyriakou from Cyprus, the birthplace of Venus herself. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and as the home of the Thalassaemia International Federation – TIF, my island stands proud in the Mediterranean Sea.

Born in October 1970, by grace, I will soon be celebrating my 54th birthday—a milestone that once seemed unattainable due to an early misconception that my life would not extend beyond my teenage years. As the third child in my family, I inherited a narrative of resilience; while my eldest brother was born healthy, our sister Marina endured mysterious health issues which led our father to make costly decisions, including sending our mother and sister to the UK for medical testing. It was there that Marina was diagnosed with Thalassaemia major.

Subsequent testing revealed that our parents were carriers of the Thalassaemia trait—heralding tough medical advice against further children. Yet when my mother became pregnant with me, they bravely chose to welcome me into the world regardless of the risks. The Princess Mary’s Hospital (TPMH) at Akrotiri RAF base took me under their wing. At a time when thalassaemia was a global medical enigma, TPMH offered not only treatment but also love and support—helping us accept and cope with our condition.

Although TPMH closed a decade ago, it remains etched in our hearts. My experiences there sculpted me into who I am today: strong-willed, resolute, and full of life despite challenges. Now residing in the countryside and not blessed with children of my own, I have found joy in the companionship of six dogs whose playful spirits enliven each day.

Apart from being a godmother to four incredible godchildren—Michaela, Loukiana, Fotis, and Nathanael—I enjoy a fulfilling career as an Assistant Clerical Officer at the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping. Living with thalassaemia has taught me courage and patience while reiterating the beauty of life.

My journey has been marked by numerous challenges: surgeries for my spleen, appendix, eyes, and gallbladder; heart failure; diabetes; and osteoporosis. Yet, I stand today as a testament to the fact that Thalassemia is not just a disease, but a chronic medical condition one can manage.

Provided that patients receive adequate treatment and care, they can lead rewarding lives, become productive members of society with successful careers, start families, and most importantly, grow old with managed thalassemia through adherence to chelation therapy.

The journey is arduous. Anyone who claims they never tire of the daily treatments or don’t occasionally take breaks likely deserves our admiration or perhaps isn’t entirely truthful. It’s natural for chronic patients to feel fatigued and need temporary respite—as long as they resume their regimen.

We must muster strength to fight for a complete life, embrace our condition with self-love, and thus become resilient warriors pursuing joy in our very existence.

Tragically, my beloved sister succumbed in her sleep on January 5th. She lived peacefully until 57—a milestone many doubted she’d ever reach at her birth.

I honour her memory by organizing an annual blood donation on her birthday to celebrate her life and serve as a beacon of hope to the younger individuals living with thalassaemia. ❤️

Thekla Kyriacou