The decision to bank cord blood is a hot topic these days. Cord blood contains stem cells that are the building blocks of our blood and immune system. Drawn from the umbilical cord at the time of childbirth it is becoming more practiced as expectant parents are being exposed to information on the subject via the media, their doctors and their government. Cord blood stem cells from one umbilical cord at the time of birth can potentially treat any member of your immediate family.
It is now an accepted fact within the medical establishment that cord blood stem cells from the umbilical cord can treat (and sometimes cure) over 70 life-threatening diseases, including a wide range of cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies and blood disorders. Studies are currently under way regarding treatment for Type 1 Diabetes and Cerebral palsy. Researchers are also hopeful cord blood stem cells may be able to treat heart disease and stroke in the near future.
Banking cord blood is a simple procedure. Performed by the doctor or midwife just after the birth of the baby and before the placenta is delivered, a 4 to 8 inch section of umbilical cord is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and a blood bag needle is inserted into the umbilical vein until the collection is completed. This in no way interferes with the health and safety of the mother and child, and often takes under 5 minutes. The blood bag is sent to storage at a pre-arranged blood cord bank of your choice.
The importance of stem cells is powerful as they have the ability to not only treat diseases but actually repair and replace damaged cells in the body. Anthony and Tammy Witherspoon of McComb, MS know this all too well.
“My wife and I gave birth to a baby boy in 1994 named Anthony II. Approximately four months later, we were informed that our son had been diagnosed with sickle-cell disease. In 2000, our son suffered a stroke; unfortunate as that may be, the incident qualified him to participate in a research program offered at the Batson Children Cancer Clinic in Jackson, MS. In doing our research, we began to learn about the possibilities of curing sickle-cell disease with stem cells.
On September 20, 2004, we gave birth to another baby boy. We immediately collected the umbilical cord blood and shipped it for storage. The blood test results came back a couple of weeks later. Not only did our newborn not have sickle-cell, he was also a match for a donor.
In October 2005, we checked into the transplant unit at the University Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The transplant was performed, and we are grateful today to be able to say that our son has been cured of sickle-cell disease.
Cord blood can be used from a donor-matched non-family member; however stats show a 50% higher success rate when cord blood is used from a family member.
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