When Nosheen’s first child, Armaan, was born, there were complications during birth causing severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy due to the lack of oxygen. The prognosis for Armaan was dire. “We didn’t expect to be able to take him home,” says Nosheen. “We were told that his care was palliative and that eventually his brain may… Read more »
New research investigating the use of a child’s own (autologous) umbilical cord blood in the treatment of hearing loss has yielded positive results, as reported in the Journal of Audiology and Otology. Over 2,000 babies are born in Canada every year with hearing loss making it one of the most common defects at birth1…. Read more »
As specialists in cord banking, we get a lot of expecting parents asking us whether or not you can safely delay the clamping of the umbilical cord if you plan on storing your baby’s cord blood. The answer is a resounding yes! Not only is it safe, but choosing to both delay clamping your baby’s… Read more »
In honour of World Bone Marrow Donor Day on September 17th, we explore the future of stem cell research, and application, in Canada.
Stem cells and the potential power to heal! Thanks to scientific breakthroughs, advancements in technology and positive reports patients seeking stem cell treatments now more than ever!
Seven boys and two girls have been cured of sickle cell anemia thanks to an improved treatment pioneered by the Alberta Children’s Hospital! Historically, sickle cell anemia has required a high-risk treatment plan leading up to a stem cell transplant. For many patients, the medication used throughout treatment was either unsuccessful or fatal – that… Read more »
Cells for Life launches cord tissue! * But what is cord tissue, and why should you care? For years, we’ve been telling you about the importance of banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood. Used in the treatment of over 80 diseases including leukemia and lymphoma, it is a way to insure and safeguard your family’s… Read more »
In 1988, Matthew Farrow, of North Carolina, became the first person to ever receive a transplant using umbilical cord blood. At the time, Matthew was 5 years old and living with Fanconi anemia, a rare, inherited blood disorder that leads to bone marrow failure[1]. Pregnant with Matthew’s little sister, Matthew’s mother had her amniotic fluid… Read more »
Congratulations! You’re going to be a parent. The next 9-months will be spent worrying about what to eat and what not to eat; making decisions about using “cloth” versus “disposable” diapers; and basking in the anticipation of more joy than you can possibly know what to do with. During the magical time before baby comes,… Read more »
Earlier this year, a group of Montreal-based scientists, headed by Dr. Guy Sauvageau, discovered a new molecule known as UM171 that may prove to change the face of transplants using stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood. Named one of the discoveries of the year for 2014 by Quebec Science, UM171 has the potential to… Read more »