A Mother's Testimonial on Cord Blood Stem Cell Therapy
When my first child was born, I learned about cord blood banking, which in my mind felt like a form of insurance for the unforeseeable, something you hope never to need, but are grateful to have if the need arises. Discovering the potential of these stem cells, from treating various cancers to supporting neurological conditions, helped me understand its value. As a mom, my primary instinct is to protect my children in every possible way. Banking their cord blood felt like a natural extension of this protective instinct. In my heart, I knew it was better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. My belief was reinforced further when a family friend used their second child’s cord blood to treat and save their first child, who was diagnosed with cancer. Witnessing their experience solidified my decision; banking all of my children's cord blood was no longer just a choice—it became a necessity.
Years, later, that necessity became a reality when my second son, Logan, was diagnosed with speech apraxia and required early intervention. Having already navigated speech issues with my first son, we started Logan in occupational, speech and applied behavior therapies. However, my ongoing research to help my son led me to discover Dr. Kurtzberg’s work at Duke University. Knowing my child’s cord blood was stored and readily available made the decision to reach out an easy one.
Duke University was conducting a clinical trial using cord blood stem cells to help children with neurological conditions, such as speech apraxia. Logan was accepted into the clinical trial under the Expanded Access Protocol and received infusions of his own cord blood stem cells. While it’s difficult to measure the exact impact given the various therapies he was participating prior to the transfusion, the improvement in his ability to communicate was undeniable. The first time he strung the words “I love you, Mommy” together, I knew all the decisions that led to that moment were the right ones, including banking Logan’s cord blood.
Melissa’s Message for Expectant Parents
Please consider banking your baby’s cord blood. It’s not just for severe diseases; its potential extends to neurological and other conditions that could impact your child’s quality of life. The peace of mind it provides, knowing you have a powerful resource available for your family, is invaluable. When Cryo-Cell efficiently and supportively released my son's unit for the Duke Clinical trial, I experienced that relief firsthand. I’ve seen the power of cord blood stem cells to save and improve lives, including my own son’s. It’s always better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
Editorial Notes: Speech apraxia represents a neurological motor speech disorder that affects the brain's ability to plan and coordinate muscle movements needed for clear articulation despite normal muscle strength.
This article is written in the first person to reflect the personal experiences and views of Melissa, based on an interview conducted by Diane Paradise.
Family stories depict each family’s personal experiences and are not necessarily representative of others' experiences and cannot predict outcomes for others. Cryo-Cell cannot and does not guarantee specific results. Your physician or other healthcare providers should be consulted about your particular situation.