CAMDEN — Last Friday, eighth graders at the Camden-Rockport Middle School put on a bake sale to raise awareness of Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura. Ruben Feldman, who spearheaded the bake sale, was diagnosed with ITP five years ago at the age of eight.

ITP is a blood disorder that destroys platelets and affects one's ability to clot.

During the school week, the group made posters advertising the sale, spread the word verbally about ITP, and made announcements over the PA. They encouraged their friends to wear "Purple for Platelets," and promised free treats to those who did, according to a news release.

All told, they raised $150 for the Platelet Disorder Support Association and, more importantly, spread an understanding of the disorder.

PDSA is an organization that helps support people with ITP by connecting them with resources that can change their lives for the better, including worldwide support groups, compilations of the latest research news, an annual conference and much more.

PDSA has been continually helpful to Ruben and his family since his diagnosis, according to the release.

ITP is a rare blood disorder. There are approximately four or five out of 100,000 children diagnosed with ITP in a given year. Of those, the vast majority experience an acute case, meaning that the disorder lasts less than six months and resolves itself.

The treatments for ITP in children can vary depending on the child's platelet count, activity level and bleeding symptoms. Whatever the treatment regimen, it is important for the child to have as normal a life as possible, according to the release.

There is no cure for ITP, and every patient must develop a treatment plan with their doctors that is the most effective for them.