On Wednesday March 19, Maureen Kearney wrote an article for the West Seattle Herald about mothers being urged to donate their cord blood to centers. Why would mothers be urged to do such a thing? Because in a lot of ways, it could end up being the greatest long-term gift a parent could give. Research and development has shown that Cord blood stem cells, removed from the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby, has tremendous future value for treating blood disorders and genetic diseases because the concordant stem cells in blood can be developed to match a patient’s own blood. Prior to 1998, umbilical cords and placental tissue were treated as waste and discarded in many of the nation’s hospitals and birthing centers.
Maureen’s article was more in keeping with the newer idea of storing one’s cord blood as a donation to society, because of the advantages the healthcare system can derive. Among the advantages of salvaging cord and placental blood stem cells is the fact that today’s recipients of blood need more diverse blood supplies, as each generation is more racially mixed.
Cord Partners is a subsidiary of Cord Blood America Company, (a public company trading under the symbol CBAI), whose mission is to provide each and every family the opportunity to invest in their own future health and the promise of regenerative medicine. Banking of a child’s cord blood stem cells is the first step anyone can take to achieve this potentially life-saving goal. Cord Blood America, which has over nine years experience with cord blood and over 50 years experience with peripheral blood processing, is one of the most experienced handling and storage facilities in the United States, and pioneered some of the most exciting advances.
The world of germs and bacteria becomes a bit more dangerous almost every day. SARS, bird flu, aids, plague, tuberculosis, “super bug” staph infections, and a litany of other medical ills grace our headlines each day. Chemical pollutants appear to be the root cause for some of the autisms and birth defects plaguing modern man. The ability to store our own cord blood and the stem cells it contains is quite possibly the single greatest defense we have against such mind-numbing diseases and disfigurations.
As the push for healthier living – and, more importantly, healthier children – continues to grow, CBAI will benefit from articles like Kearney’s that are sure to emerge. Consumer awareness and knowledge of cord blood storage will go a long way toward fighting disease, and CBAI stands ready to offer the finest in Cord blood services. Awareness and knowledge will result in demand, and Cord Blood will benefit from the rising demand. Investors who are intrigued by companies on the cutting edge of technology will surely be interested in Cord Blood America as an addition to their medical portfolios.
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