A new public cord blood donation center recently opened up in New York. This is the second of this type of facility to open in the state.
In the past, it was standard for doctors to throw out umbilical cord blood. Today, however, cord blood can be recycled to play a vital role in helping patients living with rare diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and Leukemia.
According to Dr. Robert Corona, people with these conditions need this. The cord blood would be considered medical waste, but since it can help someone in need, it is essential to preserve it. Dr. Corona is excited about the fact that the stem cells can help repair some neurological issues. It can also help with blood disorders and other medical issues.
Private cord banks have opened up throughout the country, available to new parents. Patients that go this route can have the blood stored after they pay a fee upfront. Furthermore, the blood is accessible to them should they need it in the future.
Marc and Nicole Moore experienced this firsthand. Their son Jackson was born the beginning of February. The doctors collected the blood from his umbilical cord, and Nicole states that the process was simple and painless. They stored the cord blood in the new bank at Upstate Medical University’s Community campus in Syracuse.
The Moore family encourages others to go through the same process. Nicole hopes it will help someone one day.
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