Simple donation can save a life
As people pay tribute to moms of all ages this week, please remember that birth can be an event that gives hope to many other families through the donation of umbilical cord blood. Thousands of people with diseases such as leukemia depend on the generosity of mothers who donate their babies’ cord blood to a public cord blood bank. This way, the cord blood can become a potentially lifesaving treatment option for a patient. But more donations are needed, so more patients can get the transplant they need.
There is no cost to donate to a public cord blood bank and it is completely safe for both mother and baby. Cord blood is collected immediately after a baby is born and does not interfere with labor or delivery in any way. Donated cord blood is listed on the Be The Match Registry, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, where it is available to any patient in need of a transplant. Over the past 25 years, the NMDP has made 50,000 marrow and cord blood transplants possible.
I encourage all expecting mothers, as well as their families, friends and communities, to reflect on the gift of life and consider public cord blood donation. Chicago-area residents have a unique opportunity to donate cord blood — an option not available everywhere. For more information, contact ITxM Clinical Services at www.givcord.org or www.BeTheMatch.org/cord.
Renee Matthews, M.D.
Professional educator
ITxM Clinical Services
Glenview