Our Story

Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia (TASCA) is a not-for-profit organisation, originally known as Thalassaemia Society of Victoria (TSV), founded in 1976. TASCA was founded by medical professionals to lobby government authorities for support into medical research and the provision of treatment facilities for those living with thalassaemia and other related genetic haemoglobin disorders.

TASCA task in those early days was not easy, as many of its members and those affected by thalassaemia and sickle cell disease predominately came from migrant and refugee communities. Linguistic and cultural barriers played a significant role in preventing those affected in accessing medical support, advice and treatment as well as family planning. Another challenge was the urgent need to raise awareness in medical providers and governments of genetic haemoglobin disorders to provide necessary support and funding for those affected and necessary medical research.

TASCA helped form counselling support groups and called upon the services of professional counsellors, ensuring the general well-being of those affected directly or indirectly by thalassaemia and sickle cell disease beyond the hospital setting. Numerous recreational events were also organised to compliment these efforts towards general health, morale and well-being. Since then, people living with genetic haemoglobin disorders and their families, have become an important part of TASCA by providing them with a support, education and advocacy network.