Each year thousands of people are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases such as leukemia and sickle cell disease, which can be treated with the stem cells extracted from the blood contained in the umbilical cord of newborns.  As with bone marrow transplants, doctors can match cord blood to a patient and then transplant it to potentially save his or her life.  If not suitable for patient use, donated cord blood may also be used for medical research.

The umbilical cord, however, is often discarded along with these potentially lifesaving cells unless expectant mothers choose to store it privately or donate it to a public cord blood bank. Pregnant women in Central Florida have the opportunity to do either through the Cord for Life Foundation, one of 18 cord blood banks associated with Lifeforce Cryobanks, based in Altamonte Springs.

Donald Hudspeth, chief operating officer for Lifeforce Cryobanks, says that, ideally, expectant moms learn of the option to donate or store cord blood through their OB/GYN and register during the 34^th week of pregnancy. “Collection is quick, painless, and harmless to the mother and baby,” explains Hudspeth. “It’s done immediately following delivery by the doctor or staff.”

If donated, the blood (or ‘unit’) will be listed in the National Marrow Donor Program – Be The Match® Registry.  These units are available to anyone looking for a stem cell match for transplant. There is no cost for donating cord blood.

If parents choose to store their baby’s cord blood instead, it can be used by the child, a family member, or other loved one in the future, should the need arise.  Privately storing a baby’s stem cells should be a serious consideration in families with a history of hereditary diseases which can be treated with stem cells, or if a child is a minority or of mixed race, since finding a cord blood match can be easier than one for bone marrow. These units are the property of the mother and child and cannot be used for an unrelated transplant. Because these units are not for public use, fees do apply.

Tracy and Warren Polakoff, Apopka residents, are expecting their third son and will again store the blood from their newborn’s umbilical cord. “I look at it as a special insurance policy that could be used if our children ever become sick,” says Tracy whose diabetes played a factor in their decision. “It can treat so many diseases and I like knowing we have that option.”  Tracy states that the initial fee plus a $120 annual charge is a nominal cost when considering the potential to save her child’s life.

Not only did Tracy opt to store cord blood, but she also educated friends about donation. “Three of my friends have donated cord blood to save someone’s life, a priceless gift for free,” she reports.

Cord for Life hopes to educate parents and clarify any misconceptions regarding cord blood and the fact that it is collected from the umbilical cord after birth (therefore no embryotic stem cells are collected). Effective July 2011, Florida law implemented legislation (SB 702) that recognizes the value of umbilical cord blood and requires the Department of Health to include cord blood educational resources on their website. It also encourages healthcare professionals to inform pregnant women about its potential uses and banking options.

For more info, contact:

Lifeforce Cryobanks Headquarters

270 Northlake Boulevard, Suite 1012
Altamonte Springs, Florida, 32701
(800) 869-8608

Or visit:

www.CordforLife.com

www.LifeforceCryobanks.com