Hidden Nook
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Saturday, April 16, 2005
Umbilical Cords Could Save Lives
[Media Source*] Another reason why we should not use fetal stem cells.
In 2000, a woman donated the blood from her newborn daughter's umbilical cord so scientists could pull precious stem cells from it and freeze them. Two years later, those donated cells saved Kathy Conway's son from leukemia.
"It came to us in this unassuming little syringe, from a mom who had no idea what she was truly doing," said Conway of Poland, Ohio, whose son Daniel is now a healthy 16-year-old.
Ironically despite the fact that the umbilical cord can treat thousands of people who suffer from diseases (such as leukemia) whether it be through the blood within it or the stem cells, many umbilical cords are simply discarded by many hospitals and mothers round the country. This is mostly due to cost and ignorance, as many people do not realize how useful these cords can be (not to mention the expense at keeping one for yourself).
Umbilical cords have immense value medically speaking and one should think twice before considering "throwing it away."
Cord blood is rich in stem cells, the building blocks that produce blood the same stem cells that make up the bone-marrow transplants that help many people survive certain cancers and other diseases. Freeze stem cells from cord blood shortly after a baby's birth, and they're ready to be thawed and transplanted at a moment's notice, a much easier process than traditional bone-marrow donation. [Fox News]
Fortunately Congress is also realizing the value of umbilical cords and has approved $20 million in order to help establish a national cord blood banking system that would enable doctors to find donor matches throughout the country. It would also inform pregnant women about their options regarding the uses of the umbilical cord and how it can be used as an asset for their kids and next of kin.
The umbilical cords of coarse can be donated (if one is not interested in acquiring it for themselves) but if one is interested in storing it for their own personal benefit they can simply contact Cord blood or Stem Banc for more information.
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By Darnell Clayton ⢠11:19 PM ⢠Email Post ⢠â¢
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