Stem cells are nonspecialized cells that are the building block for making new healthy cells within the body. Stem Cell banking is a way to preserve these unique cells in case a stem cell transplant is needed in the future by someone in the family. It is more likely that a donor will match from the same family, and in the case of diseases be able to have a stem cell transplant in place of a bone marrow transplant which is more painful and less successful.
Normally when a baby is born, the valuable cord clood filled with stem cells is just thrown out as medical waste. Stem Cell banking whether public or private is an important step in finding diseases and cures. There are many families who choose stem cell or cord blood banking.
Families choose stem cell banking for different reasons. If genetic, immune, or blood diseases run in the family, then stem cell banking would be a potentially life saving choice for a child and their siblings. Not to mention that each year, more and more uses are found for stem cells. These include but are not limited to injuries to the brain and spine, soft tissue injuries, and vanity reasons. Stem cell transplants are a newer and groundbreaking therapy that has proven to be quite successful.
People who choose stem cell banking are being proactive and investing in their families future. Surprisingly, stem cell banking and tissue banking are really quite affordable. To choose to donate to a public stem cell bank is an ultimate act of giving to another, as you could potentially save someone’s life. Stem cell banking is a great way to ensure that you have a line of defense for you family in the unfortunate catastrophic event such as cancer or spinal injury.