A
very special day in the history of the American Hemochromatosis
Society (AHS)
Founded
March 31, 1998 by Sandra Thomas to March 31, 2017
Serving
the public continuously for 19 years....
May
2017 is the AHS' national "Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Genetic Screening and Awareness Month". You
can be a part of this observance
by spreading the word about hemochromatosis to your family
members and friends or being interviewed by your local
radio and/or TV stations or distributing HH literature
to doctors and other medical professionals. It doesn't
have to be the month of May to spread the word, you can
do that every day of the year!
What
is hemochromatosis in a nutshell?
Answer:
Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition which causes the
body to absorb too much iron from a normal diet.
In other words, iron overload, the opposite of iron deficiency
anemia. Another name for hemochromatosis is "iron
overload disease" or "iron storage disease".
The medical name is "HFE-associated Hereditary Hemochromatosis".
The iron accumulates in vital body organs such as the
liver, heart, pancreas and joints until it reaches a toxic
level and eventually kills the patient. Hemochromatosis
is easy to treat with bloodletting, identical to blood
donation, giving the patient the opportunity to have a
normal life span if the condition in diagnosed early.
Because it is genetic, all family members should be genetically
tested for HFE-associated Hereditary Hemochromatosis.
Now, you know what hemochromatosis is. Spread the
word, get tested, and get more details on our website!
Listen
to the Sandra Thomas Radio Interview!!
Hear
Sandra Thomas, President/Founder, American Hemochromatosis
Society on
Blog Talk Radio on WRNW1 "Women's Radio Network"
on the Lisa Singer Show
who was interviewed on Monday, November
10th, 2014.
www.wrnw1.com
http://www.wrnw1.com/?s=Sandra+Thomas
@WRNW1Radio
WRNW1 is committed to empower female professionals as
they
navigate through the pathways to
success!
Got
questions? We've got answers!
Before
you read anything else on this website...
Here's Bottom Line Information to save you time and money:
Want answers now? Tired of wondering if you or a loved one has hereditary hemochromatosis?
Find
answers to iron storage levels and genetic status quickly
and privately through
these
do it yourself "direct access" companies:
DNA
genetic testing/Home test kit/Painless:
Lab:
Gene Track (www.hemochromatosisdna.com) DNA Test Kit:
$195.00 + 20% discount=$156.00. No blood or needles
involved.
Toll
free number: 1-877-714-6356 (Request discounted
price of $156.00) Painless cheek brush kit
Results
are sent by snail mail/email in 3 to 5 days/Tests for
three HH mutations
Iron storage levels (serum iron, TIBC, & serum ferritin):
(Used for diagnosis of hemochromatosis or monitoring the diagnosed patient)
HealthCheckUSA (www.healthcheckusa.com) Toll free number: 1-800-929-2044.
No
doctor's order needed--you use a local lab /needle draw
from arm=$60.00
Call
HealthcheckUSA to get name and address of your local lab
to be used
**Please
note that HealthCheckUSA no longer offers the HFE mutation
genetic DNA test kit
We
recommend Gene Track (www.hemochromatosisDNA.com) for
genetic testing.
Please
see their information directly above.
If
you are searching for a diagnosis (or to rule out hemochromatosis),
or monitoring your iron levels, these tests will help
you get the answers you need. AHS would be pleased
to discuss your results with you and help you know what
questions to ask your doctor.
(AHS does not receive any funding from these companies for referring patients to them).
Please note that these labs are not a substitute for professional medical care but can provide a quick, confidential, and accurate assessment of your iron storage levels and
your
DNA genetic status which you can share with your doctor
if you wish.
If you have any questions about these labs please call AHS at: 407-829-4488.
It
all started 19 years ago...
Josephine Bogie Thomas
She was the inspiration for founding the
American Hemochromatosis Society
Sandra Thomas, Founder/President
Our
18th Anniversary of Service to the Public!!
March
31, 1998 to March 31, 2017
(See the President's Message at the bottom
of the page for a history of AHS)
Thank
you for putting your trust in the American
Hemochromatosis Society (AHS)
Visit
us (and "Like" us) on Facebook!
Join
the 2,608+ visitors who have "liked" our Facebook
page!
www.facebook.com/HereditaryHemochromatosis
AHS New Address!!:
In the "old
days" (circa 1998), the American Hemochromatosis Society
(AHS) received
and
sent out a lot of snail mail via the U.S. Postal Service.
Now, with the Internet and Facebook,
we get few requests for information by mail, and we
rarely use the U.S. postal service.
Nevertheless, we do have an address which patients and
family members can use if they wish. The new mailing
address is:
American
Hemochromatosis Society (AHS)
P.O. Box 950871
Lake Mary, Florida 32795-0871 U.S.A.
Most communcation with our society is through facebook
(www.facebook.com/HereditaryHemochromatosis),
or telephone, 407-829-4488.
Due
to the high volume of calls and mail, please allow for
four to six weeks response time.
If
you need to reach us urgently, please call us on the
telephone.
We're
here to help in any way we can.
Thanks
to Annie's Mailbox for publishing Sandra Thomas' letter
about
hemochromatosis on Sunday, November 2nd, 2014!
We
have received calls from all over the USA!!
Take
a trip down memory lane... Old AHS Archives!!
In Loving Memory...
The American Hemochromatosis Society extends its sincere sympathy
to
the family, friends, and co-workers of
Myron
"Mike" Trebatoski
May
21, 2016 (89 years old)
Roger
Arthur Junkins
January
4, 1944--May 31, 2016
Prescot,
AR
John
Clark
May
29, 2016
Essex,
Maryland
Frank
O'Donnell
April
24, 2016
Edna
Marilyn Norgren
July
14, 1944 to April 9, 2016
NORGREN, E.
Marilyn Age 71, of West Carrollton, passed away on Saturday,
April 9, 2016. Marilyn was born to the late Kenneth and
Edna (nee Coffman) Tobias on July 14, 1944 in Denver,
CO. She retired from Better Bookkeeping in 2001 after
15 years. Marilyn is survived by her son, Michael Norgren;
daughters, Julie (Steve) Wintrow and Tracey (Scott) Elliott;
grandchildren, Ryan Norgren, Jessica Holliday, and Eric
Elliott and great-grandchildren, Sam, Layla and Dallas.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday,
April 20, 2016 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop
Rd. Kettering, OH. Family will greet friends following
the service at the funeral home until 8:00pm. In lieu
of flowers, donations may be made to the American Hemochromatosis
Society, P.O. Box 950871 Lake Mary, FL 32795-0871. Condolences
and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com
Published in Dayton Daily News on Apr. 17, 2016.
In
Loving Memory
Lee
"Wayne" Wristen, Jr.
Wayne
was a very loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather,
uncle and friend to many.
He
was a very selfless person who gave much of himself to
others.
Wayne
helped many people with their endeavors whenever he could.
His
life was cut too short. It was his wish to bring greater
awareness of hemochromatosis to
others
before it became too late for them to save their own lives
as it was for him.
This
tribute is to keep Wayne's memory alive as well as his
other family members
who have also died from hemochromatosis--his
aunt Barbara, cousin Mark, and cousin Kevin
and
countless others in his family.
(This
tribute was written by Wayne's sister, Carol Grisham)
John
Timothy Griffin
(6/18/1943 - 2/8/2016)
age 72, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2016 in Sebring,
Florida. Born June 18, 1943 in Queens, New York, the only
child to John Timothy and Elizabeth (Minnock) Griffin.
John graduated from Central Catholic High, Ft. Lauderdale
and has been a resident of Sebring since 1978 where he
owned Griffin's Carpet Mart. He was a member of St. Catherine
Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Dedicated
servant to the City of Sebring and City Councilman for
17 years. Survivors include sons, J.T. (Jean) Griffin
-Winter Park, FL; Tom (Kelly) Griffin-Sebring, FL; Jim
(Sherri) Griffin-Sebring, FL, and his daughter, Kelly
(Brian) Cosgrave -Sebring, FL, grandchildren, Jack; Mitchell;
Meghan; Lindsey; Mason; Sara; Jimmy; Gracie and Zoe. John
was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Griffin. The
family will receive friends on Friday, February 12, 2016,
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
in Sebring. There will be a funeral mass on Saturday,
February 13, 2016 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine
Catholic Church with Father Jose Gonzalez and Father J.
Peter Sheehan officiating. In lieu of flowers the family
has requested memorial contributions be made to: American
Hemochromatosis Society, P.O. Box 950871, Lake Mary, FL
32795-0871 (www.americanhs.org) and Good Shepherd Hospice,
1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33870 (www.chaptershealth.org
John
Fredrick Oliver
1952--2015
Apr. 15,
1952 ~ Nov. 23, 2015
Resident of El Sobrante
John Fredrick Oliver passed away November 23 from
complications of a genetic iron disorder.
Born April 15, 1952 to Bill and Patsy Oliver, John
graduated from De Anza High School in 1970, where
he was known as an outstanding basketball player and
gregarious classmate. After a brief stay at Chico
State, he returned home to El Sobrante to help run
the family businesses, Oliver's Ace Hardware, Oliver's
Towing, Oliver's Chevron station, Oliver's limousine
service and Twin Palms Touchless Carwash.
With a passion to cook and entertain, John took ownership
of the Rancho Sports Bar, where, between extended
lunches with friends, he cooked and tended bar for
a growing circle of patrons.
John will be remembered for his generosity and kind
spirit, and as an avid golfer, 49ers faithful, winemaker,
excellent chef, and Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead
fan.
John is survived by his longtime love Sherri Jeha,
her son George and family; his father Bill Oliver,
brother Richard and wife, Annette, two nephews, Lucas
and Adam, and many close friends and family. Celebration
of his life will be private.
Shawna
Elaine Koehler
August
26, 2015
Selma,
Texas
Charles
"Chuck" Turner
Friday,
July 10, 2015
Turner,
Jr. Charles J. "Chuck" 64 of Egg Harbor Township,
NJ passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family
on July 10, 2015
Born August 31, 1950 in Atlantic City, NJ, Chuck graduated
Atlantic City High in 1969. He started his law enforcement
career as a Stockton University Police Officer. A graduate
of Sea Girt Police Academy, he then joined the Atlantic
City Police Department.
After 15 years he was promoted to Sergeant and retired
after his 25 years served. Then he joined the Wackenhut
Security Dept. at the FAA in Pomona, NJ and was promoted
to Supervisor where he also became Union President. Chuck
was on the planning board for EHT. He loved the Phillies
and Eagles through their good seasons and not so good
ones. He enjoyed coaching for his children's softball
and baseball teams. He was a Catholic alter boy as a young
man.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Janice
(Ciolorito) Turner, his children; Amy (Steve) Massaro,
Lorie (John) Walsh, Ashley Turner and Chuck Turner, III.
He was a beloved "Pop-Pop to his five grandchildren;
Kierstin, Julianna, Justin, Johnny and Kourtney. He is
also survived by his mother-in-law, Joyce Ciolorito and
his sister, Diane (James) Smith.
Chuck was the ROCK to his family, the most selfless, compassionate,
patient, devoted family man that could have ever blessed
their lives.Through this trying time, we will find comfort
just knowing he will be our angel looking down on us for
the rest of our lives.
A Gathering with the family and friends will be held on
Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 10am until 12pm at Adams-Perfect
Funeral Home 1650 New Rd. Northfield. A Funeral Service
will follow at 12pm. Burial will be held at Holy Cross
Cemetery, Mays Landing. In lieu of flowers donations may
be made to the American Hemochromatosis Society P.O. Box
950871, Lake Mary, FL 32795-0871.
Arrangements entrusted to and condolences may be left
for the family at adams-perfect.com.
Edward
Strong
June 9, 2015
H. Edward "Ed" Strong,
56, New Vienna, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at
the Ohio State Medical Center.
He was the owner-manager of Tree Removal Service and an
aircraft mechanic with Airborne.
He is survived by his wife, Robin Tilton Strong, and children,
Amanda (Craig) Shutts, Thomas (Christina) George, Jennifer
(Matt) Terrell, Dustan, Dantan and Brendan Strong and
Laura George; grandchildren, Dylan, Kyleigh, Leland, Jacob,
Allyson, Riley, Elliot, Sophie, Shelby and Mila.
There was a celebration of Ed's life on Monday at 2 p.m.
at the Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina with Bob Baker officiating.
Friends may call from 1pm until time of service. Memorial
contributions may be made in Ed's memory to the American
Hemochromatosis Society, PO Box 950871, Lake Mary, FL
32795-0871.
Paul
M. Counahan
June 9, 1953 - May 20, 2015
McCandless, Pennsylvania
Age
61, of McCandless Twp., peacefully passed away surrounded
by loved ones on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. Beloved husband
for 39 years of Maura (Burwinkel); proud and loving father
of Michael C. (Nicki), Mini Maura, and Jack Counahan;
caring brother of Kathy Thomas (Kevin) and Tammy Hunter
(Keith); loving uncle of James Paul, Kelsey, and MacKenzie;
also survived by many loving friends and relatives. Friends
received Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 806 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Teresa
of Avila Church on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Paul enjoyed
a 37 year career in the heavy equipment industry, working
for Caterpillar, Inc., Beckwith Machinery, and Cleveland
Brothers. The family would like to thank the staff at
UPMC Shadyside for their support and care. In lieu of
flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American
Hemochromatosis Society, P.O. Box 950871, Lake Mary, FL
32795-0871.
Douglas
Keith Bloetscher
October
8, 1925--March 30, 2015
Bloetscher, Douglas Keith, age 89 of Lake
Columbia (formerly of Farmington Hills) passed away March
30, 2015 at home under the loving care of his family.
He was born in Detroit on October 8, 1925 to Frederick
and Rosa (Flaishans) Bloetscher. He served his country
proudly in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. He was a graduate
of Cass Tech High School and Lawrence Technological University(1949)
where he received his degree in Architecture. In his youth,
Douglas was an avid baseball player and later in life
took up painting. On August 27, 1948 Douglas married Shirley
Thomas and she survives.
In addition to his wife of 66 years, Douglas
is survived by his children: Douglas (Ann) Bloetscher
and Susan (Chris) Wozniak; Grandchildren: Sarah, Christopher,
Stephen, Alyssa, Kristen and Lauren: Great Granddaughter:
Adrianna. He was preceded in death by his brother Frederick,
and his sisters Marge and Rosemary.
George
H. Trudel
December
29, 2014
George
H. Trudel, 69, of Eliot, ME, formerly of Ipswich and Scottsdale,
AZ, died December 29, 2014 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
in New Hampshire. Born in Ipswich on May 16, 1945, son
of John and Ellen (Nugent) Trudel of Meetinghouse Green,
Ipswich, he graduated from Ipswich High School, class
of 1963. Since high school, he has worked and traveled
throughout the United States while being employed in the
nuclear power and transportation service industries. He
is survived by his son, John O. Trudel and his wife Amy
and their daughter Scarlett of La Porte, TX; seven siblings,
brothers John Trudel of Byfield and Thomas Trudel of Rowley;
sisters Mary Young of Merrimac, Sheila Comeau of Newburyport;
Theresa Matregrano of Rumney, NH; Ellen Tobiasz of Eliot,
ME; and Christine Trudel of Scottsdale, AZ, and nineteen
nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held at
10 am Saturday in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6
High St., Ipswich followed by interment in the Highland
Cemetery, Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully
welcomed. Visiting hours will be Friday 4 to 8 pm. In
lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may
be made to American Hemochromatosis Society ( http://americanhs.org
)
of Lake Mary, Florida. For directions or to leave a condolence
please visit www.whittier-porter.com
-
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wickedlocal-ipswich/obituary.aspx?pid=173672161#sthash.TYfPyzuB.dpuf
Bernard
B. "Brian" Gillespie
October
21, 2014
Gillespie --- Bernard B. “Brian” of West Roxbury,
Suddenly October 21, 2014. Age 62. Beloved son of the
late Bernard “Barney” and Cecilia F. “Sheila”
(Kearney) Gillespie. Loving brother of Mary Ellen McPhee
and her husband Joseph of Northborough, Philip and his
wife Maura of Dedham,Cecelia “Fran” Saroglou
and her husband George of Medfield, Patrick and his wife
Ellen of West Roxbury and the late John Michael Gillespie.
Devoted uncle of Bernie and Lori Saroglou, Sheila and
Jason Blydenburgh, Bridget Gillespie, Meghan Gillespie,
Michaela Gillespie and Emma Gillespie. Great Uncle of
Tyler, Camryn and Elizabeth.
Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home
1803 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Monday, Oct. 27, at
10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
in St. Theresa of Avila Church at 11:30am. Relatives and
friends are invited to attend. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.
Member of Local 275 Carpenters Union.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Brian’s
name to www.americanhs.org American Hemochromatosis Society
“AHS”, PO Box 950871, Lake Mary, FL 32795-0871.
(See
the full obituaries in the Memorial Photo Gallery)
International BioIron Society(IBIS)
For more information: www.bioiron.org
Josephine Bogie Thomas (left) & her daughter, Sandra Thomas, on the
balcony of their apartment in North Hills, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
in November 1998, six months before Josephine died from hereditary hemochromatosis on May 13th, 1999.
AHS
Remembers 10 Years Later...August 27, 2007 to August 27,
2017
Joseph
Burghard Thomas
Board member and major benefactor of the
American Hemochromatosis Society
October 5, 1914 to August
27th, 2007
Dad, you are missed every day. You did so much to help the cause for awareness of
hereditary hemochromatosis, the disease which took your dear wife, Josephine, from you. You cared for her tenderly, and stood by her without exception, tirelessly,
patiently, you were there for her from diagnosis in 1983 to her death in 1999. You set
a wonderful example of devotion and dedication. One which I easily and gladly followed when it was your turn to face the final chapter of your life. You and mom were the best, and are dearly missed. Thank you for all of the timeless life lessons you taught me.
Love, Sandra
(Joe was the father of AHS president
and founder, Sandra Thomas and husband of 59 years to
Josephine Bogie Thomas, inspiration for the founding of this organization)
Joseph Burghard Thomas Obituary
See In Memoriam tribute in Orlando Sentinel on August 27, 2013
Sandra Thomas and her father, Joe B. Thomas
Books on Hemochromatosis....
Guide to Hemochromatosis
Guide to Hemochromatosis, which is chock full of important information about hemochromatosis, can be ordered through www.amazon.com
or any major book store, or go to: www.irondisorders.org
 MediFocus
Guidebook on Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Medifocus has published an excellent rescource and information
guide for patients and families concerning Hereditary
Hemochromatosis. 
Visit
the AHS Neonatal Hemochromatosis Information Center (NH) Site
 |
"Dylan"
(left) has Neonatal Hemochromatosis (NH).
AHS sponsors a web site for this rare newborn
iron disease. Learn more about NH in newborns
and the exciting new treatment which offers new
hope for pregnant women who have already had an
NH baby in the past.
If you
have an NH baby, please email or call us at 407-829-4488
so you aren't going through this experience alone.
There are others who have been through this same
experience and doctors who are eager to help in
any way they can. Please note: If you have hereditary hemochromatosis and are pregnant, you will not have an NH baby. If you have hereditary hemochromatosis and plan to have children, you will not have an NH baby because of that diagnosis. NH is a separate condition which is not genetic like hereditary hemochromatosis (HH).
You can also find us on Facebook. |
|
Visit
our web site for Neonatal Hemochromatosis (NH) at:
www.neonatalhemochromatosis.org |
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