If you have had a baby in the past few years, one of the first pamphlets you may receive refers to cord blood storage. Many parents may look over this pamphlet with the belief that they will not need stem cell therapy or the cord blood will not help. The truth is, the cord blood can help towards certain stem cell research and therapy development. Here are some of those ways the cord blood storage option can help you and possibly someone else facing a serious illness.

Stem Cell Transplantation

One of the most common forms of stem cell therapy that derives from cord blood is stem cell transplantation. This form of therapy allows doctors to harvest the viable stem cells from the stored cord blood. They can then take those stem cells and, through an IV injection, introduce the cells into the patients system. This therapy can be done once or multiple times. It can also be combined with bone marrow to aide in various illnesses in order to reduce or slow their effects. 

Future Illness and Research

A leading benefit to cord blood is the ability to store it for long periods of time. This means that, though it can be used immediately to help patients, it can also be used at a later date. This storage ability and the durability of the blood both during and following storage gives researchers the time they need. Researchers can study the illness and determine the best course to take. If stem cells would help, they can then access the cord storage rather than worrying over where to get the needed stem cells for further research and development.

Storage Matching

When you donate to cord blood storage, you can register to have your donation matched to other people in need. This means that if your family does not need the cord blood, or if you want to reserve a portion for research, anyone anywhere in the world can find a match to your cord blood donation. This can be vital in helping with stem cell therapy, research, development, and remedies. 

If you decide to use cord blood storage after your next baby is delivered, contact your local cord storage bank. They can help you with the process and can tell you how your specific cord blood donation can help specific health issues you or family members may experience. They can also inform you how to donate funds to help with stem cell therapy research.

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