1- Bone marrow transplantation   A protocol supported by the Italian Government was signed by the Chronic Care Center and IME institution (instituto mediterraneo ematologia). In collaboration with professor LUCARELLI from Italy in 2005, a total number of eighteen patients underwent BMT, the results were successful in all patients except the death and the rejection of 2 patients. 2- New clinical trials   A multi-center trial on efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with ICL670 (a new oral chelator) in beta-thalassemia patients with transfusional hemosiderosis started in 2005, 67 patients were enrolled in the study that was extended for 1 more year. Another one year, multi-center trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral ICL670 in patients diagnosed with transfusion-dependent iron overload including a Cardiac sub-study was recently approved by IRB. 40 patients will be recruited soon. 3- New Projects   ITHANET – electronic infrastructure for thalassemia research network. This project will give the opportunity to bring together scientists and centers to organize multi-center studies with large numbers of patients and share data electronically. This project is funded by European Union and involves 24 other partners. 4- The Thalassemia International Day   Occurs yearly in the world, on the 8th of May. This year, the Center celebrated this day on May 12 2006, holding a one day scientific conference. The meeting focused on the prevention of thalassemia and the importance of premarital test. The 12th International TIF Conference was held in Dubai, from the 7th – 10th January 2006: • Mrs. Mouna Haraoui was reelected as Thalassemia International Federation Board Member • 7 patients & parents, 3 para medical staff and physicians from the Chronic Care Center attended the TIF meeting and presented several topics.   5- The TIF Board Meeting   Representing Mrs. Mouna Haraoui, Mrs. Michele Abi Saad traveled to London to attend the TIF Board Meeting from June 7 to 10, 2006. 6- Training of personnel   A part of the mission of Chronic Care Center is continuous medical education especially the training of the personnel. • A workshop on Thalassemia in Italy in Bertinoro di Romagna will be held from the 24th of June until 28 of June, this workshop will be attended by Mrs. Najat Ajami (qualified Nurse) in the Unit of thalassemia. This training is sponsored through the ITHANET project. • A workshop on Thalassemia in Italy in Bertinoro di Romagna will be held from the 24th of June until 28 of June, this workshop will be attended by Mrs. Najat Ajami (qualified Nurse) in the Unit of thalassemia. This training is sponsored through the ITHANET project. • The Thalassemia International Day was held on the 8th of May in Cairo. It was attended by Dr. Adlette Inaty, Dr. Suzanne Koussa and Dr. Ali Taher. • European Hematology Association meeting will be attended by Dr. Inaty, Dr. Koussa and Dr. Taher from the 15th of June till the 18th of June. • Dr. Taher & Mrs. Michele Abi Saad will attend the ITHANET project general assembly in Bologna. 7- In Brief, Patient's News:   • Haifa, 26 years, graduated in Public Health / AUB, and Master in journalism AUB, currently running for a diploma in “Health and Development in London”, Ayman, 26 years, currently running for a diploma in “Agricultural Engineer”, Faculty of Agronomy / Lebanese University. Carole, 24 years, graduated with BS in Business & Accounting / AUSJ University, currently running for Master degree. Best wishes of success, Haifa, Ayman and Carole. • Denise, 23 years, succeeded her Master graduation in Economy / N.D.U, June 2006. Congratulations. • Hany, 26 years, BS graduated in “Computer Sciences” and currently running for a diploma in “Information System”, Beirut Arab University., will assist at the Formula 1 in Montreal. • Rony, 25 years, Major in BS Dispatch session, travel to London in June 9 2006, with Joe 19 years to follow the ICL 670 treatment. Have a nice trip.   • Mohamad M, 28 years, BS graduated in “Computer Sciences” / Haigazian University, currently heading for his own business in Dubai. Best of luck, Mohamad.   • Aline Bassil, 24 years, BS graduated in “Translation” / USEK University, expected to get married in 7/7/2007.   Aline Bassil   • Mohamad K, 28 years got engaged in January 2006 with a none carrier person. Wish you all happiness and love.   • Nour El Hoda, 21 years, got engaged in April 2006 with the same none carrier person who used to donate her blood. Happy life to you both.   • Aya, 21 years, courageously engaged in February 2006 with a carrier person. Take care Aya.   • Lina, Bassima and Racha, got engaged in 2006. Congratulations all.           Unfortunately,  despite   that   our   patients   received   the   best   medical   care, 3   of  them passed away on 2006: Charles Aoun, 53 years Mariam Sabbagh, 16 years (Post bone marrow transplantation) Abdallah Homsi, 30 years (cardiac complication) May their soul rest in peace. 8- Period of crisis: July 2006 war   • Delivery of Services During this difficult time, The Center continued to deliver its medical services to patients. The Center coordinated with other organizations like the the Lebanese red cross to deliver medications to patients in remote areas who were unable to reach it. • Patient Social Support The social service supported morally many CCC families whose homes were demolished or who were displaced. In addition, humanitarian aid was distributed to the displaced in schools. Unfortunately, Zeinab, a young thalassemic lost her father during this war. • Travel of  7  thalssemics patients and  a total of 40  members  of  families  to  Italy  for Bone Marrow Transplant  through  an  emergency  peace  mission  with  Mediterranean  institute of hematology in Italy.