Charity Walk for the Cooley's Anemia Foundation

Join three Montgomery County residents who are battling Cooley's Anemia in a free charity walk in the Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg this Sunday.

Cooley's Anemia, also known as Thalassemia, is a genetic blood disorder that results in anemia that begins at early childhood and lasts throughout life.

Chi Pham, one of the walk organizers, described how the condition has changed his life. "This requires me to be transfusion dependent. As a result of the blood transfusion, it creates an iron overload in my body which is damaging to my organs. As a kid, I was in and out of hospitals and had to sleep with a needle in my stomach for eight hours as it pumped in medication to remove the excess iron.  Thanks to medical advances and research, I’m still transfusion dependent but now get to ingest oral tablets to remove the excess iron.  A much better quality of life if you ask me."

The one-hour walk, which will start at Cooper Canyon, is designed to raise awareness about Cooley's Anemia. A silent auction will follow the event, featuring items like two $50 Cooper Canyon gift cards and an autographed card from Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals.

Cooper Canyon will also be offering free soft drinks and a 10 percent discount on lunch if you mention the Care Walk.