70 Years of Leading the Fight Against Thalassemia
Supporting Since 1954
For over 70 years, CAF has been a steadfast source of support for Thalassemia patients and their families.
Advocacy in Washington
As a powerful advocate, CAF champions legislative changes to benefit Thalassemia patients and their families.
Research Funding
Through Fellowships and funding, CAF has driven significant advancements in Thalassemia treatment and research.
CAF’s Mission
We strive to ensure every Thalassemia patient lives a longer, fuller life, and we will not rest until we find a cure for all.
Statement of Purpose
The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation is dedicated to serving people afflicted with various forms of Thalassemia, most notably the major form of this genetic blood disease, Cooley’s Anemia/Thalassemia Major.
The Name Behind The Disease
People often ask why the major form of Thalassemia is known as Cooley’s Anemia. Thalassemia Major is widely referred to as Cooley’s Anemia in reference to Dr. Thomas Benton Cooley, the renowned researcher who discovered the disorder.
Thomas Benton Cooley was an American physician specializing in pediatrics and hematology. He worked tirelessly to treat illnesses causing the high child and infant mortality rates found in the U.S. and globally in the early 20th century.
After completing medical school at the University of Michigan in 1895, he went on to complete specialized training in hygiene and contagious diseases at Boston City Hospital and in German clinics. Cooley then led the effort to treat individuals infected with rabies as the lead physician of the Pasteur Institute at the University of Michigan from 1903-1905.
Cooley made one of his biggest contributions to the dramatic reduction of infant deaths as the medical director of the Babies’ Milk Fund in Detroit. His increasing interest in and dedication to the improved health of children grew, leading him to serve as Assistant Chief of the Children’s Bureau of the American Red Cross in France during World War I. During his time in France, he led several projects including: the implementation of a school of public health for children, the establishment of a pediatric hospital, the development of a boarding school for children orphaned by war, and the foundation of a training school for visiting housekeepers who were tasked with visiting impoverished children and ensuring proper hygiene and diet. Cooley’s list of accomplishments in France is truly remarkable, inspiring the government of France to award him with the Legion of Honour in 1924 to recognize his impact in the lives of French children.
After returning from France in 1921, Cooley served as the head of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan for the following two decades. He soon began an investigation on a form of childhood anemia, noting similarities in bone change among four children of Italian and Greek heritage. Cooley presented his findings to the American Pediatric Society in 1925, naming this disorder erythroblastic anemia, now known as Cooley’s Anemia. His research is considered one of the most significant contributions to hematology and laid the groundwork for Thalassemia research and treatment options in the following decades.
Cooley continued his dedication to children’s health and wellbeing by co-founding the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1930, and by serving as professor of pediatrics at Wayne State University College of Medicine for nearly a decade beginning in 1936. Cooley died in October 13, 1945.
The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation proudly bears the name of Dr. Thomas Benton Cooley in honor of his preeminent contributions to the livelihoods of individuals with Thalassemia, and as a source of continued inspiration to the new crop of dedicated medical researchers leading the quest for a cure.
How it All Began
In 1954, Frank Ficarra was a young Italian-American businessman working in Brooklyn when two of his young children were diagnosed with Cooley’s Anemia, also known as Thalassemia major.
Frank Ficarra began organizing neighborhood blood drives to make sure that his children and others like them would have the precious blood they needed to survive. Even though these blood
drives were successful, Frank Ficarra realized that more was needed.
One autumn night in the back of a Brooklyn butcher shop, Frank Ficarra and other parents of Cooley’s Anemia patients planted the seeds of the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, determined to make the world aware of this rare disease. What began as one man’s mission for his family has grown into a global force, united in the fight for better treatments and a cure.
One autumn night, Frank Ficarra and the parents of other Cooley’s Anemia patients met in the back of his Brooklyn butcher shop to discuss what they could do to help their children. They would let the world know about this rare disease. From that meeting, the seeds of the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation were sown.
Since that night, CAF has grown into a national and international force with an extraordinary record of accomplishments. CAF established the first fellowship program for Thalassemia research. CAF has become a strong voice in Washington for Thalassemia patients and their families.
Today, Frank Ficarra’s son, Robert, serves as CAF Vice President of International Affairs. Robert continues the work his father began on an international scale. He reaches out to patients in every corner of the globe where medical knowledge and supplies are lacking.
What began as the story of one man’s family is today the story of many families working together toward a common goal. The goal for better treatments and a cure for a disease which threatens their most precious resource – their children.
Tax Exempt Status
Milestones
and Miracles
For over 70 years, the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been a strong and supportive partner for families living with Thalassemia.