People rarely notice new medical treatments especially when it isn’t an immediate concern. This is perhaps the reason why a lot of people haven’t given much thought about cord blood banking even if it has been around for decades now. I myself have heard about this procedure before but I didn’t give it much attention because I thought it would cost a lot of money. My perspective changed when I attended the event Celebrating World Cord Blood Day. I learned that the procedure has life saving benefits that you could be throwing away by not learning about cord blood. Here are some interesting facts that I have learned during the event.
This is a day to celebrate life and the value of choices we make now to take care of our family’s future. But first, what is cord blood and why do we have to celebrate a World Cord Blood Day?
Cord blood is a newfound and non-controversial source of stem cells that can be used to save lives from dreaded diseases. In 1988 Dr. Eliane Gluckman performed a cord blood stem cell transplant that saved a young boy who had Fanconi Anemia. Since then over 40,000 cord blood stem cell procedures have been performed saving the lives of thousands of other children. Unfortunately, a lot of people have yet to realize the value of cord blood as it is simply thrown away in 98% of childbirths.
What is the value of Cord Blood? Stem cells are currently at the forefront of revolutionary medicine and you can find the healthiest stem cells to replenish blood and regenerate damaged bone marrow in the cord blood. These stem cells can also help in treating blood cancers and correct genetic defects. Recent developments have shown the use of cord blood in regenerative medicine like treatment for spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. Putting your baby’s umbilical cord blood in the bank ensures their access to these stem cells for future cellular therapy.
To celebrate the Word Cord Blood Day in the Philippines, Cordlife Philippines spearheaded activities promoting awareness on this life saving resource and procedure. Aside from being the first, Cordlife Philippines is the only DOH-registered Cord Blood Bank in the country. The event was hosted by Cordlife Brand Ambassador Dimples Romana also present were co-ambassadors Nina Corpuz,Vanessa Matsunaga, and other MOMbassadors
It featured talks and lectures from experts and parents who have chosen to avail of the Cord Blood Bank services. They all see the need to enlighten Filipino families on why cord blood banking should be considered as an available standard option for treating over 80 life-threatening diseases like leukemia and other blood disorders.
Dr. Arvin Faundo, one of the leading Stem Cell Transplantation experts in the country also stressed the importance of this decision for expectant parents. According to him “expectant parents in this country must be given sufficient information on the importance of cord blood banking. If the choice is not made, that chance is lost for good.”
The celebration of the Word Cord Blood Day was very enlightening. Aside from having a better understanding of cord blood, I also found out that it’s not as expensive as I thought it was. Cord blood banking can cost around Php183,000. This may not be affordable if you have to settle it immediately. The good news is that Cordlife Philippines has a price plan that allows you to pay it in 18 years!
That’s Php850 per month, cheaper than your phone or cable bill, a small price to pay for safeguarding your child’s health in the future. If I get to have another baby, I am definitely banking our umbilical cord blood.
To know more about World Cord Blood Day, call Cordlife at (02) 3321888 or log on to www.cordlife.ph
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