Andy,
Congratulations, I am very glad that you have received the recognition that your deserve. You have helped thalassemia patients as much as the doctors and researchers who are developing and administering treatments and cures.
Secondly, that is such great news you have delivered - a once incurable disease may be cured within the next decade. That is amazing. The fact that different groups are working on it is even better, as the kinks will be worked out and an ideal procedure may be developed.