Characterized by abnormal hemoglobin that create ‘C-shaped’ cells which move slowly and cause blocked blood vessels; common among African Americans*

Characterized by reduced or absent amounts of hemoglobin; common among those of Mediterranean ancestry*

Characterized by the abnormal presence of globoid cells, which are globe-shaped cells that usually have more than one nucleus*

This is a lysosomal storage easesease which leads to progressive mental deterioration and loss of physical skills*

Bone marrow does not produce sufficient new cells to replenish blood cells*

As a result of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments used in cancer treatment. Stem cell transplants act as:

A replacement therapy:

• The sick individual’s malignant bone marrow is replaced by the cells provided by a healthy donor.*
• Sometimes during cancer treatment, the bone marrow is destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy. In this case, a cord blood transplant is required to introduce new stem cells into a person’s body. These new cells will reconstitute the bone marrow.

 A form of immunotherapy: In this case, the donor’s immune system is present in the cord blood sample. Those cells act against the sick recipient’s remaining cancer cells to kill them. This phenomenon is called graft-versus-leukemia effect.*