Hemochromatosis Month

Posted on Friday, May 9th, 2014

Written by Dan Gillis

May is Hemochromatosis Month - a month to bring awareness to a genetic disorder that leaves those afflicted with too much iron in their system. Left untreated, the condition can be fatal.

Diagnosed in 2010, School of Computer Science Professor Gary Grewal has spent the last several semesters working with two senior undergraduate students Frank Liu and Ryan Pattison to develop a mobile application to help those with Hemochromatosis manage their condition.

The app will allow patients to track their Ferritin and Hemoglobin levels. Ultimately the goal is to help patients manage their iron load to prevent symptoms (such as chronic fatigue, abdominal pain, and aches), and minimize long term risks including liver and heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Grewal hopes to release the app later this year. “There are so many people suffering from this disorder who aren’t being diagnosed. This app is one of the tools we’ll use to propagate awareness but also help people who have it." said Bob Rogers, CEO and executive director of the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society, when he met with Grewal and his team earlier this year. While there is no cure, treatments are available that allow patients to live healthy lives. If you'd like to know more about Hemochromatosis, click here.

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