What are Stem Cells ?

Stem Cells have been referred to by some doctors and scientists as the very building blocks of life. Throughout the developmental stages in the womb, stem cells are working to create our entire bodies - our nerves, muscles, blood system and organs - heart, kidneys, liver, lungs skin and brains. The concept behind storing your baby's stem cells is that they can be of future benefit to fight diseases such as leukaemia, cancers and diabetes. Not only that, stem cells can also be used to repair previously irreparable damage caused by accidental injuries. Surgeons regularly use stem cells to repair spinal damage in road crash victims and even to restore sight.

These 'powerhouse' cells are the stars of coronary diseases and conditions, too, helping the heart to rebuild those parts of itself which are killed during heart attacks.

Parents all over the world are now becoming aware of the potential therapies stem cells can provide.

How Can My Baby Use Stem Cells?

The most common use for stem cells today is as a bone marrow transplant to assist in the treatment of Leukaemia and for other childhood cancers and conditions which respond well to stem cell repair or which require stem cells to rebuild the immune system following chemotherapy.

However it is in future therapies, which should become available over the next few years, that the real potential of stem cells will become apparent. Research into curing diseases like diabetes and asthma hold the real promise for our childrens’ future. There have already been thousands of Umbilical Cord Blood transplants across the world.

Not every family will need their stem cells for the treatment of a heart-breaking, life-threatening complaint like leukaemia. Many families now store their stem cells to help them take advantage of the potential future health-benefits which stem cell therapies will have to offer.

Please look at our WHO HAS STORED and SUCCESSFUL TRANSPLANTS page to read about just a few of miracles so far